Natasha Iqbal, wife of prominent Karachi industrialist Danish Iqbal, was involved in a tragic accident on Karsaz Road on Monday. Her speeding SUV struck bikers and pedestrians, tragically killing a father and his daughter.
Natasha is married to Danish Iqbal, Chairman of Gul Ahmed Energy Limited and the Metro Power Group. According to police reports, Natasha’s vehicle first collided with a motorcycle before hitting other vehicles and pedestrians, eventually crashing onto the service road. The victims, 60-year-old Imran Arif and his 23-year-old daughter Amna, were killed instantly as they were heading home from Imran’s office. A third victim later died from injuries at the hospital.
On Wednesday, a Facebook post by Zafar Iqbal, President and CEO of Prestige HR Group, falsely claimed that Natasha had fled Pakistan after paying Rs20 million in blood money to each deceased and Rs5 million to the injured. This rumor has been debunked.
The same day, a Karachi East court approved Natasha Iqbal’s judicial remand. This decision followed an order to present Natasha and her medical report in court.
However, this incident brings to light a troubling issue: the perceived lack of accountability for the wealthy. There is a growing sense that affluent individuals sometimes avoid the full consequences of their actions, either through financial settlements or personal influence. This case is no different, raising concerns about whether the justice system will treat Natasha Iqbal as it would anyone else.
Karachi Police Chief Javed Alam Odho has assured the public that the investigation will be fair and thorough. During a press conference, he made it clear that Natasha has not been granted bail and that the legal process is being followed closely. While acknowledging Natasha’s serious mistakes, Odho stressed that she is not being treated as a criminal. The real test for the justice system will be in ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their financial status, are held to the same standards of accountability.