Shahzeb Khan murder case has resurfaced as the Sindh High Court has revoked the verdict of death penalty
KARACHI: The Shahzeb Khan murder case has resurfaced as the Sindh High Court has revoked the verdict of a death penalty awarded to the two accused. Although Shahzeb’s family had pardoned the culprits years ago and requested settlement of the matter outside the court, the verdict remained in place and effective. However, for reasons best known to the parties involved, the court has now ordered a retrial in a sessions court, citing that a murder committed because of personal enmity does not qualify for hearing in anti-terrorism court.
However, for public interest the retrial of the accused should be a transparent and unbiased affair that should be made public. The court should also not forget that the accused have multiple charges against them under various sections of the law, and should be charged accordingly irrespective of which court the case is heard in. The government should also ensure the safety of Shahzeb’s family.
Abdullah Masood
Published in The Express Tribune, November 30th, 2017.
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