Amir Shuja, the father of murdered young man Mustafa Amir, has categorically stated that there is no question of accepting “diyat” (blood money), vowing to fight for justice until his last breath.

Speaking to host Imran Sultan on Aaj News’ programme “Das”, he said that initial attempts were made to derail the investigation, leaving the family distressed.

However, with the Anti-Violent Crime Cell (AVCC) and Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) taking up the case, they now feel somewhat reassured.

“I will fight until the very end to ensure that those responsible for my son’s murder face justice. I was waiting for my son’s burial today, and from tomorrow, my battle begins. I will never let them go unpunished,” he said.

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Shuja emphasised that the accused should not even dream of offering “diyat”.

“They wouldn’t dare approach us for a settlement, and even if they did, it is out of the question. My son belonged to a respectable and well-off family — “diyat” is not even a thought. They should forget about it because now, I will be the one haunting them in their dreams,” he stated.

He vowed that the family would not rest until Mustafa got justice. He praised his wife for her relentless efforts in pursuing the case but noted that she was exhausted.

“She fought on the frontlines, but now it’s my turn to take over,” he said.

A case of personal jealousy?

Providing background on the case, Shuja mentioned that the prime suspect had entered Karachi’s Defence area a year ago.

“I knew my son, his friends, and his social circle. Mustafa studied at FPS (Foundation Public School) and had a completely different peer group. The accused is reportedly 30 years old, while my son was just 23. Their paths did not naturally cross, nor were they friends,” he explained.

He ruled out financial disputes as a motive, asserting that Mustafa, a student at a business school, had no monetary disagreements.

“This was purely personal jealousy. The accused was envious of my son’s social popularity, and that resentment led him to commit this crime,” he said.

Criminologist raises concerns

Criminologist Dr Javed Azizi Masoodi, also speaking on the program, expressed serious concerns about the handling of the case.

“I won’t repeat the statements already circulating in the media, but the victim’s father is not alone in his frustration. The suspect’s father has also made similar remarks. There have been delays in the investigation, and I suspect evidence tampering,” he claimed.

He pointed out that key pieces of evidence have gone missing, which raises serious questions. “There is a possibility that the accused has manipulated the case. Armaghan, the prime suspect, comes from wealth, which is undeniably influencing the proceedings. Several powerful individuals connected to the case are surfacing on social media,” he added.

Weak forensic evidence

Dr Masoodi also criticised the forensic investigation, calling it weak.

“Apart from DNA confirmation, there is little solid forensic evidence left, as the burned body was deliberately destroyed. The authorities allowed the crime scene to be tampered with,” he said.

He further highlighted jurisdictional issues between Sindh and Balochistan.

“A Karachi boy’s burned body was found in Balochistan, yet it took over a month for authorities to make the connection. This lack of coordination is deeply troubling,” he remarked.

Role of another suspect in question

Dr Masoodi noted that Shiraz, another individual linked to the case, remains a mystery.

“His involvement is unclear, but based on emerging details, his role is suspicious. There are legal ambiguities surrounding his position in the case,” he observed.

He also suggested that while Mustafa’s father insists there was no relationship between the victim and the suspect, some facts indicate otherwise.

“Parents may deny it, but certain realities exist. A clap requires both hands. I am not defending Armaghan or Shiraz, but legal complexities must be acknowledged,” he concluded.