Pakistan

Bilawal terms Benazir murder case verdict 'disappointing, unacceptable'

PPP chairperson says party will explore all legal options against the decision

News Desk August 31, 2017

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leaders rejected on Thursday an anti-terrorism court's verdict in Benazir Bhutto murder case, saying justice cannot be served until all abettors involved are punished.

Earlier in the day, ATC Rawalpindi sentenced two senior police officers to 17 years in prison as per Sections 119 and 201 of the Pakistan Penal Code but acquitted five others who were accused of assassinating the former prime minister.

Former president Gen (retd) Pervaiz Musharraf was declared a proclaimed offender as he failed to appear before the court.

Benazir murder case: Five accused acquitted, two police officers sentenced to 17 years in prison

"SMBB case decision is disappointing & unacceptable," chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari tweeted minutes after the decision was announced in Adiyala Jail. "Release of terrorists not only unjust but also dangerous. PPP will explore legal options."

SMBB case decision is disappointing & unacceptable. Realse of terrorists not only unjust but also dangerous. PPP will explore legal options.
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) August 31, 2017

"10 years later and we still await justice," Benazir's daughter Aseefa Bhutto Zardari said. "Abettors punished but those truly guilty of my mothers murder roam free."

10 years later and we still await justice. Abettors punished but those truly guilty of my mothers murder roam free
— Aseefa B Zardari (@AseefaBZ) August 31, 2017

She went on to add that "there will be no justice till Pervez Musharraf answers for his crimes."

There will be no justice till Pervez Musharraf answers for his crimes !
— Aseefa B Zardari (@AseefaBZ) August 31, 2017

Similarly, Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari called for the former military dictator's arrest. "Musharraf ordered crime scene washed & doors locked trapping SMBB vehicle inside."

Musharraf ordered crime scene washed & doors locked trapping SMBB vehicle inside #ArrestMusharraf https://t.co/VidXsB3i0H
— Bakhtawar B-Zardari (@BakhtawarBZ) August 31, 2017

& police men arrested but actual terrorists acquitted #Shame https://t.co/b4FXYS64Lz
— Bakhtawar B-Zardari (@BakhtawarBZ) August 31, 2017

Other PPP leaders also reacted on the court's decision:

Even after 10years ATC judgement fails 2deliver justice in ShaheedBBs trial as the conspirators &main accused esp #Musharraf not sentenced
— Nafisa Shah (@ShahNafisa) August 31, 2017

Benazir was assassinated in a gun-and-bomb attack in Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi on December 27, 2007. At least 23 PPP workers had also died in the incident.

During the course of the proceedings, seven challans of the case were presented and eight judges and three courts were changed.

COMMENTS (8)

DIpak | 6 years ago | Reply Billy Boy of BB must understand that his father killed his mother.

DR. NASIR ALI BHATTI | 6 years ago | Reply Benazir was such an innocent lady she would not trust any one even for a very petty matter.She instead of verbal communication would write on a small paper chit and she trusted two most unreliable persons at the last moments of her life.Both were right beside her. Malik Rehman and Bushra Rehman.. Both could have saved just by pulling her down. In the advanced countries any human being is charged with murder if he or she fails to protect even an animal. In this case both named above did not try to save Benazir when they could have saved her life.Just see how close he became to Mr. Zardari and how important he is in the top level decision making in PPP. Allah may bless Bilawal.