KARACHI: Police in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi registered a new case against the main suspect in a high-profile hit-and-run that killed two people after tests confirmed she was under the influence of methamphetamine, popularly known as ice, when she brought her vehicle onto the road.
CCTV footage of the accident was widely circulated on social media, showing a Toyota Land Cruiser allegedly driven by Natasha Iqbal, the wife of well-known businessman Danish Iqbal, hitting a motorbike from behind, resulting in the death of a female student and her father. Five others were also injured in the incident.
Initially, the defense lawyer told a local court she was undergoing psychiatric treatment to explain why she looked disoriented following the accident while seeking exemption for her from court appearance.
However, the hospital authorities later said the suspect’s family could not produce any evidence of her psychiatric treatment after securing her blood and urine samples.
“Suspect Natasha, wife of Danish Iqbal, ... was under the influence of methamphetamine (ice) at the time of the incident at 1830 hours,” the new police report said, registering her case under Section 11 of The Prohibition (Enforcement of Hadd) Order, 1979.
The legal provision deals with the prohibition of drinking alcohol, saying that any Muslim caught violating the law can be punished with up to three years in prison, whipping up to 30 lashes, or both.
Speaking to Arab News, Police Surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed confirmed the medical report and said the case was filed on its basis.
“Chemical analysis report is positive for methamphetamine (ice) in the urine sample,” she said briefly. “Hence, it was confirmed that she had methamphetamine in her system at the time [of the accident].”
The hit-and-run case sparked intense social media outrage, with people suspecting the police were not investigating the case properly and saying it reflected impunity for the rich in Pakistan.
Police file new case after Karachi hit-and-run suspect tests positive for meth
https://arab.news/8f3gd
Police file new case after Karachi hit-and-run suspect tests positive for meth
- Two people were killed, five injured when a Toyota Land Cruiser in Karachi hit a motorbike from behind
- Natasha Iqbal, wife of a prominent businessman, was allegedly behind the wheel at the time of accident
Pakistan beat India by 191 runs to win U-19 Asia Cup final in Dubai
- Sameer Minhas played a clinical 172-run knock to lead Pakistan to a commanding total of 347-8
- In response, India were in the game for first few overs but collapsed at 156 runs from 26.2 overs
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan delivered a commanding all-round performance to thrash arch-rivals India by 191 runs in the Under-19 Asia Cup final in Dubai on Sunday, dominating the contest with both bat and ball.
India, who were undefeated in the tournament, won the toss and put Pakistan to bat first. The decision did not pan out well for the Blue Shirts as Pakistan were off to a flying start, powered by opener Sameer Minhas and middle-order batter Usman Khan.
The two built a 92-run partnership before Khan returned to the pavilion. Minhas, however, kept on piling the runs and smashed a clinical 172-run knock to lead Pakistan to a commanding total of 347-8 from 50 overs. Ahmed Hussain scored 56 runs off 72 deliveries.
In response, India were in the game for the first few overs, but after that, it was all Pakistan, with bowlers picking up wickets at regular intervals. The Indian side collapsed at 156 runs from 26.2 overs. Minhas was declared player-of-the-match and player-of-the-series.
“It was a good innings... we wanted to bat first looking at the track,” Minhas said. “It is very memorable for me.”
Ali Raza picking up 4 wickets for Pakistan, while Deepesh Devendran was the pick of the Indian bowlers, returning figures of 3-83.
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari congratulated the U19 team on the impressive victory.
“Impressive victory over India in final shows young players’ dedication and resolve,” he said on X. “A proud moment for the nation. Appreciation to captain, team, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, and coaches.”
