Family forgives IHC judge's son in case of two women killed by Land Cruiser in Islamabad

Two families have pardoned the driver involved in a fatal road accident in Islamabad that claimed the lives of two young women, leading the court to end proceedings against him on Friday.

The incident took place five days earlier at Secretariat Chowk on Shahrah-e-Dastoor, where a car collided with a scooter carrying two Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) employees, identified as Samreen and Tabinda. Both victims died of their injuries.

The suspect, Abuzar, had been arrested by police and was on a four-day physical remand. He was presented before Judicial Magistrate Shaista Kundi in the District and Sessions Court after completion of the remand.

During the hearing, members of both families informed the court that they had forgiven the accused. One victim’s brother appeared in person, while her mother’s statement was recorded online. The father of the second victim also gave his statement in court. Following the reconciliation, the court concluded the case and approved the suspect’s bail, ordering his release.

According to earlier prosecution arguments, the driver did not have his national identity card or driving licence on him at the time of the accident. The prosecutor had stated that the suspect admitted to driving recklessly and speeding before hitting the scooter, adding that he was recording a Snapchat video moments before the collision.

Speaking to Geo News, the father of Tabinda said a judge had visited them to offer condolences and acknowledged that “his child was at fault.” He said there had been no discussion regarding compensation or diyat, adding that the family chose to forgive. He described his daughter as “my right hand,” saying she had supported him like a son and that her loss was immeasurable.

A case had been registered earlier at Secretariat Police Station on the complaint of Samreen’s brother, following which the suspect was arrested.