Background of the Kirpa Case
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday rejected the post-arrest bail plea filed by Adil Mehmood, accused of burning his wife alive in the Kirpa area of the federal capital. A single-member bench, led by Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, heard the plea as the court was presented with the victim’s dying declaration, a key piece of evidence in the case.
According to the allegations, Sania Bibi, a mother of three, named Mehmood and his father, Mustab Hussain, as her attackers. She claimed that after a heated argument, Mehmood dragged her inside their home while Hussain doused her with petrol and the pair set her on fire. The case has raised concerns about women’s safety and the mechanisms of protection for victims in difficult circumstances in the capital.
What Sania Bibi Told the Court
While receiving treatment at PIMS Hospital in Islamabad, Sania’s dying declaration described the sequence of events that led to her grievous injuries. She testified that she was in the middle of a dispute with her husband when the attack occurred. She said that after being dragged indoors, Hussain set her ablaze and Mehmood did not intervene to help. Sania recounted screaming for aid, but solace was slow in arriving; it took about two hours before medical assistance could reach her.
In her statement, Sania asserted that her jewelry was taken at the hospital and that those assisting her denied her water until a doctor intervened. She also claimed that her attackers pressured her to lie about the cause of her injuries, attempting to portray them as the result of a gas cylinder explosion rather than arson. She added that she and her children faced threats for speaking out against her husband and in-laws, including warnings about the safety of her children.
Authorities registered a case at Kirpa Police Station on June 9, 2025, following Sania’s statement. The case has since seen both Mehmood and Hussain held in Adiala Jail as the legal process continues. Tragically, Sania succumbed to her injuries after nearly a month of treatment at PIMS Hospital, underscoring the severe consequences of the alleged crime and the ongoing fight for accountability in such cases.
The Court’s Ruling
The IHC bench—comprising a single judge—refused Mehmood’s bail request after considering the material presented, including the dying declaration. While the court’s written reasoning has not been extensively disclosed in the summary available, the decision reflects the judiciary’s approach to bail requests in cases involving serious accusations and potential threats to the victim’s family and witnesses. The denial of bail means that Mehmood will remain in custody as the trial proceeds, ensuring he remains available for further proceedings and potential testimony.
Aftermath and What Comes Next
With Mehmood and Hussain remanded to Adiala Jail, the prosecution is expected to advance the case toward trial. The victim’s dying declaration remains a pivotal piece of evidence, alongside forensic reports, witness statements, and other investigative materials. The ruling highlights how courts balance the presumption of innocence with the seriousness of alleged violent crimes, especially in incidents that involve alleged domestic violence and the safety of multiple dependents.
Context: Domestic Violence and Justice in Pakistan
Cases like the Kirpa incident illuminate broader questions about protections for women, effective enforcement of domestic violence laws, and the timely delivery of justice. Legal observers stress the importance of prompt investigations, transparent court proceedings, and support systems for survivors and their families. As the trial progresses, it will be watched closely for its implications on how post-arrest bail is handled in violent domestic cases and for signals about accountability within families and households affected by gender-based violence.
Conclusion
The Islamabad High Court’s decision to deny post-arrest bail to Adil Mehmood marks a significant step in the pursuit of justice for Sania Bibi and her children. As the legal process continues, the case will likely contribute to ongoing discussions about safeguarding vulnerable individuals and improving the efficacy of the criminal justice system in Pakistan.
