More than a year after the tragic death of 8-year-old Ayesha at the Dar-ul-Umar orphanage in Munda, Lower Dir, a local court has handed down its verdict, sentencing three men after finding them guilty of rape and murder.

The incident took place on May 16, 2024, but was only registered at Munda Police Station on May 22, following public outcry and a social media campaign by locals. 

Ayesha’s death was initially declared accidental by the police, based on the statement of the orphanage’s director, Zia-ul-Haq, who had claimed she was suffocated by a pile of quilts. 

However, visible signs of torture on her body and the family’s objections led to widespread demand for a proper investigation.

As a result, police lodged an FIR, and arrested Zia-ul-Haq, along with two other suspects, Sanaullah and Abu Bakar, and submitted a charge sheet after completing the investigation under the supervision of District Police Officer Rafiullah.

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In the judgment announced by Additional Sessions Judge Samar Bagh, Zia-ul-Haq was sentenced to 25 years in prison, Sanaullah to three years, and Abu Bakar to two years. The court also imposed a fine of Rs. 500,000 in compensation.

The prosecution was led by Assistant Public Prosecutor Ubaidullah, while the district police and prosecution teams worked together under DPO Rafiullah’s directives to ensure effective follow-up of the case.

The verdict marks a significant development in a case that had sparked outrage across the region and had become a symbol of the public’s demand for justice.