Review petition: PHC stays execution of an alleged terrorist
The petitioner’s counsel argued that the convict was not given a chance to defend himself against the charges
PHOTO: PPI
PESHAWAR:
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Monday stayed the execution of an alleged terrorist sentenced by a military court.
A single bench comprising Justice Syed Afsar Shah suspended the sentence and issued notice to the federal government. The court suspended the death sentence in a review petition filed by Syed Amin Shah, father of the convict Syed Aqil Shah.
The petitioner’s counsel argued that the convict was not given a chance to defend himself against the charges and thus prayed the court to suspend the execution till disposal of the petition.
An Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement released on December 15, 2016 stated that the chief of the army staff confirmed the death sentences awarded to another 13 hardcore terrorists including the petitioner’s son, who were involved in heinous offences related to terrorism, including the killing and slaughtering of innocent civilians, officials of law enforcement agencies and the armed forces.
The army’s media wing claimed that the convict was a member of a proscribed organisation. “He was involved in attacking office of World Vision NGO, which resulted in death of six employees of the said NGO. He was also found in possession of explosives. The convict admitted his offences before the magistrate and the trial court. He was awarded the death sentence,” ISPR had stated.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 3rd, 2017.
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Monday stayed the execution of an alleged terrorist sentenced by a military court.
A single bench comprising Justice Syed Afsar Shah suspended the sentence and issued notice to the federal government. The court suspended the death sentence in a review petition filed by Syed Amin Shah, father of the convict Syed Aqil Shah.
The petitioner’s counsel argued that the convict was not given a chance to defend himself against the charges and thus prayed the court to suspend the execution till disposal of the petition.
An Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement released on December 15, 2016 stated that the chief of the army staff confirmed the death sentences awarded to another 13 hardcore terrorists including the petitioner’s son, who were involved in heinous offences related to terrorism, including the killing and slaughtering of innocent civilians, officials of law enforcement agencies and the armed forces.
The army’s media wing claimed that the convict was a member of a proscribed organisation. “He was involved in attacking office of World Vision NGO, which resulted in death of six employees of the said NGO. He was also found in possession of explosives. The convict admitted his offences before the magistrate and the trial court. He was awarded the death sentence,” ISPR had stated.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 3rd, 2017.