By Ashrafuddin Pirzada
LANDIKOTAL: The district court in Khyber has awarded the death sentence to the husband of a female Sub-divisional Education Officer (SDEO) for her brutal murder in Landikotal, concluding a sensational case that had shocked the area in June 2023, police said on Sunday.
They said that the victim, Rizwana Shaheen, an SDEO posted in a government school in the Merikhel area of Landikotal, was stabbed to death inside the school hostel on June 17, 2023. She belonged to the Bannu district and was residing in the hostel with her family due to her official posting.
Talking to Daily Lead Pakistan Nadia Gul, the close relative of Rizwana, said that from the very first day, their clear demand was that justice must prevail. She said that there would be no compromise with the killer’s family. She appreciated the Sessions Court and Landikotal police for delivering justice in the case.
The victim’s family also expressed satisfaction over the court’s decision, stating that it had restored their faith in the justice system. They said the verdict sent a strong message that crimes would not go unpunished.
The victim is survived by four school-going children, who are currently living with the victim’s family and remain in need of care and support.
SHO Esheat Khan Shinwari said that initially, the murder appeared to be a blind case, as the assailant was unknown. He said after an extensive and professional investigation, Khyber police established that the victim’s husband, identified as Najibullah, was the prime accused.
Investigators concluded that the accused murdered his wife over financial motives, depriving their children of their mother.
Police said they arrested the accused and submitted a strong challan after collecting solid evidence, including witness testimonies and forensic material. The investigation was conducted by Investigation Officer Sultan Raza Khan, who completed the probe with due diligence and professionalism.
Based on the evidence presented, the court found the accused guilty and awarded him the death sentence. The verdict was termed a significant step toward justice for the victim’s children and a reaffirmation of the rule of law.
District Police Officer Khyber, Waqar Ahmed, praised the investigation team for their performance, stating that the case reflected the professional capabilities of Khyber police in handling complex investigations. He also commended SP Investigation Khyber Shafiq Khan, Investigation Officer Sultan Raza Khan and their team, announcing commendation certificates and cash rewards for them.
The case had drawn widespread attention at the time of the incident due to the brutality of the crime and the victim’s position as a government education officer.
