Cleric Abubakar Muaviya's Physical Remand Extended in Child Abuse Case

A Lahore district and sessions court has extended the physical remand of cleric Abubakar Muaviya by three days in a child abuse case. This decision comes after Lahore police obtained a four-day physical remand of the cleric in a child rape case at the Shahdara police station. The suspect was apprehended while in the act of raping a minor boy, leading to his immediate arrest. The case was registered under Section 376 (iii) of the Pakistan Penal Code, which pertains to the rape of a minor.

During the court hearing, the police requested an extension of the suspect's physical remand for further investigation. The cleric's lawyer emphasized the need for a thorough investigation and requested their involvement in the process. Following deliberation, the court granted the extension and requested a detailed report from the investigation officer for the next hearing.

Notably, Muaviya had previously faced charges of raping a child in Tandlianwala, Faisalabad. However, he was acquitted after the victim's father retracted the FIR, citing misunderstandings and forgiveness towards the cleric. This acquittal, facilitated through a 'Jirga/Panchayat' mediation, was later deemed a violation of a Supreme Court judgment against such extrajudicial practices.

The Supreme Court's ruling in January 2019 highlighted the illegality of 'councils of elders' or 'kangaroo courts' operating outside the formal judicial system for dispute resolution, particularly in tribal regions of Pakistan. The case involving Muaviya underscores the complexities and challenges in addressing cases of child abuse and the importance of upholding legal procedures.