Pakistan Interior Minister Suspects Indian Involvement in Murder of Amir Sarfraz Tamba

The Interior Minister of Pakistan, Mohsin Naqvi, has raised suspicions of Indian involvement in the murder of Amir Sarfraz Tamba, who was allegedly responsible for the death of Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh in 2013. Naqvi indicated that India might have been behind four other similar murders prior to Tamba’s killing.

According to reports, Naqvi made these remarks while speaking to the media at the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) office in Lahore. He stated that the police are investigating the shooting incident that resulted in Tamba’s death, and initial suspicions point towards Indian involvement. However, Naqvi emphasized the need to await the completion of the investigation before drawing conclusions.

The incident occurred when two unidentified motorcycle riders shot Tamba in the Islampura police station’s jurisdiction. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Tamba succumbed to his injuries. The police promptly registered a case against the assailants based on a complaint filed by Tamba’s brother, Junaid Sarfraz, and initiated a search operation with the help of CCTV footage.

Tamba gained notoriety in April 2013 when he, along with Mudasir Munir, reportedly attacked Sarabjit Singh with bricks and iron rods in Kot Lakhpat jail. Singh, who had been sentenced to death for his involvement in bomb attacks that resulted in fatalities in Lahore and Faisalabad in 1990, succumbed to his injuries.

In a surprising turn of events, a sessions court in Lahore acquitted Tamba and Munir of Singh’s murder charge on December 14, 2018, citing retractions of witness statements. Tamba, aged 45 and unmarried, resided with his brothers in Islampura and was engaged in the spice trade.

The context of Indian involvement in such incidents was highlighted by Naqvi, referencing Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s televised interview on April 5, where Singh admitted to the Indian government’s policy of orchestrating killings in Pakistan. Singh stated that India would pursue individuals who attempt to carry out terrorist activities in Pakistan, even if they manage to escape across the border.

The circumstances surrounding Tamba’s murder underscore the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, with accusations and suspicions of cross-border activities exacerbating bilateral relations. Naqvi’s remarks signal Pakistan’s vigilance in investigating such incidents and holding accountable those responsible, while also reflecting the complexities and challenges inherent in the India-Pakistan relationship.