Summary Mashal's friend Abdullah said that he refused to testify against him in blasphemy allegations
(Web Desk) – Friend of Mardan lynching and survivor Abdullah stated on Monday that he was attacked when he refused to testify against Mashal Khan in blasphemy allegations. Last week, a journalism students Mashal Khan was tortured and shot dead over an argument with a group of varsity mates.
Abdullah rejected all allegations of blasphemy against him and Mashal. He was one of the three students in Abdul Wali Khan University who were accused of committing blasphemy, other two being Mashal Khan and Zubair.
Six university workers among 22 arrested in Mashal lynching case: KP IG Salahuddin
While recalling the events before a judicial magistrate, he told that he was amongst the three being accused of spreading ‘blasphemous content’. He rejected the allegations and stated that some students, namely Muhammad Abbas, Mudassir Bashir and other, had forced him to testify against Mashal Khan in blasphemy case.
Consequently, these angry students attacked him. “I was rescued by the police before hiding in a bathroom to escape the attack,” he told.
Written statement by Mardan survivor Abdullah
The three friends got to know each other as they shared similar views. Abdullah told that he was called by these students and told that the three had deviated from the right path as they committed blasphemy.
After hearing such a claim, he recited Kalma-i-Tayyaba straight away to prove his faith. Abbas and others asked Abdullah to testify against Mashal which he refused. He was attacked by the mob afterwards while being fortunate enough to be rescued by the police and teachers.
However, he got to know in the hospital that his friend had been killed by the same mob. Abdullah himself approached the police and law enforcement agencies to identify Mashal’s murderers using video footages. “I want justice for us all,” he told while reinforcing that they were innocent.
Abdullah went on to blame the varsity administration and told that Mashal had earlier criticised the university officials for misuse of authority and lack of responsibility.
