ISLAMABAD— Two young women died late Monday night after being struck by a speeding SUV driven by a 16-year-old boy near Secretariat Chowk, opposite the metro station in Islamabad.
The victims, Samreen (25) and Tabbinda (27), worked part-time for an events-management group at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts. They were riding a scooter when a white SUV collided with them, severely damaging the scooter and throwing both women to the ground. They later succumbed to their injuries.
Details of the Incident
According to police reports, the SUV driver, Muhammad Abuzar Reki, was distracted while recording a Snapchat video at the time of the crash. He reportedly discarded his phone immediately after the accident. The suspect, who does not have a valid driver’s license, was identified through the vehicle’s registration number and later apprehended at a hospital.
Suspect’s Background
According to reports, Muhammad Abuzar Reki is the son of Justice Mohammad Asif of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), prompting concerns about potential political influence over the investigation. The suspect, who is 16 years old, is ineligible to drive in Pakistan legally.
Police Action and Legal Response
The Islamabad police have opened an investigation into the incident, charging Muhammad Abuzar Reki with reckless driving, manslaughter, and causing damage under multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code. Sections 279 (rash driving or riding on a public way), 322 (manslaughter), and 427 (mischief causing damage) have been invoked in the case.
A judicial magistrate has granted a four-day physical remand to facilitate further investigation. The police have impounded the vehicle and are reviewing CCTV footage from the scene and collecting forensic samples for analysis.
Public Concern & Wider Context: 2022 Incident Referenced
The case has stirred public concern over whether influence or social status might affect the outcome of investigations involving influential individuals. Many fear that such tragedies avoid proper justice when high‑status families are involved.
In a similar case reported back in 2022, an SUV allegedly driven by a daughter of a senior judge was involved in a fatal crash near the Sohan Bridge on the Islamabad Expressway. Two people, Shakeel Tanoli and Hasnain Ali, were killed. The investigation into that case remained stalled for years.
That earlier crash and the apparent lack of accountability have become a reference point among critics who now demand transparency and equal application of the law, regardless of family background.
Broader Implications
This tragic incident underscores the growing dangers of reckless and distracted driving, particularly among young, underage drivers. It serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by social media distractions while driving.
As the investigation unfolds, the public is closely watching to see if justice will be served, especially given the suspect’s influential family background.
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