Senior anchor Amir Mateen alleges that Rabia Ahsan faced domestic abuse and that her family failed to support her efforts to leave the troubled marriage.
RAWALPINDI: Senior journalist and anchor Amir Mateen has alleged that the family of slain anchorperson Rabia Ahsan is becoming an obstacle to a fair and transparent investigation into her death, claiming that she had suffered domestic abuse and wanted to end her marriage through khula.
In his remarks about the case, Mateen said Rabia had faced difficulties in her married life and had wanted to separate from her husband. However, he alleged that her family did not support her decision.
He further revealed that Rabia had stayed at a female friend’s house for several weeks some time ago because of differences with her husband.
According to Mateen, one of the biggest tragedies in Rabia’s life was that her family repeatedly avoided supporting her in the name of morality and family honour. He alleged that the family had failed to stand by her during her troubled marriage and was now attempting to conceal facts relevant to the investigation.
Mateen also questioned the circumstances surrounding the registration of the first information report (FIR), which was lodged by Rabia’s family. He argued that the family’s alleged past conduct, which he described as pressuring Rabia to remain in an abusive and distressing marriage, raised concerns about its position in the case.
“The issue at present is not the police but the family itself,” Mateen said, alleging that the family was attempting to obstruct a transparent investigation and prevent the facts from emerging.
He added that he could not disclose further details at this stage but stressed that his silence should not be interpreted as a lack of interest in pursuing the matter.
Describing Rabia as a lively, energetic and full-of-life person, Mateen said she did not deserve to die in such circumstances and at such a young age.
He said he remained in contact with people involved in the case and was fully aware of the shortcomings within the system. Mateen added that he had already shared all the information available to him with the police and was now waiting to see whether investigators would incorporate it into their investigation.
The allegations made by Mateen raise questions about Rabia’s domestic circumstances and the support she received from her family before her death. However, his claims about the family’s conduct and its alleged role in obstructing the investigation have not been independently established.
The case now faces calls for a thorough and impartial investigation into Rabia’s death, including examination of all relevant information and evidence, without prejudice or pressure from any side.
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