Kasur rape case: Shehbaz Sharif announces Rs10mln reward on accused's arrest

LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday announced a reward of Rs 10 million reward for anyone who can provide information regarding the rapist-cum-murderer of the seven-year-old girl in Kasur.

According to media, the chief minister has ordered police to submit Challan in Zainab murder case within 24 hours, besides seeking details of other 12 such cases emerged in Kasur.

Shehbaz Sharif also announced Rs 3 million each for the families of those who killed in police firing during the protest.

The decision in this regard was taken during a high level meeting which was attended by Punjab law minister Rana Sanaullah, IG Punjab, Kasur city administration officials.

Zainab went missing five days prior to her body being found in a heap of garbage in Kasur. As per details, the girl was abducted near her home when she was on her way to Holy Quran class. An FIR was registered on January 4 by the victim’s uncle Muhammad Adnan as the girl’s parents were out of the country when she went missing. The FIR was registered at Sadar police station in Kasur. Her body was found on Tuesday night.

Scores of locals took to the streets on Wednesday as a protest against the brutal incident, engaging in skirmishes with law enforcers before they assembled for the prayers led by Pakistan Awami Tehreek Chief Dr Tahir ul Qadri.

Unfortunately, two protesters were left dead amid clashes with police, according to multiple media reports.

The protest has entered its second day as the police failed to trace the suspect so far. The demonstrators have blocked Kali Pul Chowk on Ferozepur Road, that links Lahore to Kasur, while schools and markets are also closed at different places in the city to mourn the inhuman act.

Meanwhile, Punjab Bar Council has also announced province-wide protest against the rape and killing of the minor girl.