Mohammad Atif Murder Case: A Struggle for Justice

Sardar Aftab
“The brutal murder of Kashmiri youth Mohammad Atif in Islamabad – 75 days have passed, yet the killer remains at large. Why?” On December 9, 2024, in PWD, Islamabad, a family lost its shining star. A young man, whose only crime was wanting to live, was mercilessly murdered. The biggest question remains: Why hasn’t the murderer been caught even after two and a half months? Islamabad police and law enforcement agencies, equipped with modern technology and investigative tools, have failed to apprehend the culprit. Is this sheer incompetence or a deliberate attempt to shield the guilty? Has justice become a privilege only for the powerful? A System That Favors the Powerful What followed Atif’s murder was nothing new – the same old scripted police procedures. • Officers arrived at the scene, gathered evidence, filed reports, and recorded statements. • But what came of it? Absolutely nothing. • The murderer roams free, while Atif’s widow, orphaned children, and grieving family continue their desperate search for justice. This isn’t an isolated incident. Murders have become routine in our society, but justice remains a distant dream. Every time, the same questions arise: • Was the murderer influential? • Did he have political connections? • Was he related to a powerful figure? • Did those in power trade justice for money? Or has the justice system become blind, deaf, corrupt, and completely heartless? A Family Destroyed, a Future Stolen Mohammad Atif will never return. • A son who was the pillar of his family now rests in a grave. • A brother who protected his sisters now lives only in photographs. • A father whose children still wait at the door, hoping he will come back, will never return. His mother’s cries, his widow’s grief, and his children’s shattered dreams are a painful testament to a society where the innocent suffer, and the guilty walk free. Brazen Killers, Weak Law Enforcement The murderers celebrate openly, knowing full well that justice can be bought in this country. They mock the law because they know power shields the guilty. Whenever families of victims approach the police and courts, they hear the same empty promises: “Investigations are ongoing. Give us time. Justice will be served soon.” But this “soon” never comes. How Long Will This Continue? • How long will innocent lives be lost while the justice system remains silent? • How long will grieving families wander from office to office, begging for justice? • How long will murderers roam free, intimidating victims’ families instead of facing punishment? This is Not Just a Question – It is a Cry for Justice This is a plea, a scream, meant to wake up those who pretend to be deaf. This is an attempt to expose the wolves who trample justice under their feet. Justice Must Prevail – Or Public Trust in Law Will Be Lost Forever If these criminals remain free, if law enforcement remains indifferent, if courts continue their silence, then Pakistan will descend into lawlessness. The powerful will rule, and the weak will continue to suffer. The people must rise, demand justice, and ensure these killers face punishment. If this injustice continues unchecked, tomorrow, another innocent life will be lost, and another family will be left crying for justice. The Jammu & Kashmir United Forum (Rawalpindi-Islamabad) will soon announce its next course of action in the pursuit of justice for Mohammad Atif.