Two MQM-L workers awarded death for killing PTI's Zahra Shahid

Directed to kill PTI woman by party leaders, convicts said

KARACHI: A Karachi Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Friday sentenced two Muttahida Qaumi Movement-London (MQM-L)  workers to death in connection with the killing of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Zahra Shahid.

The verdict against convicts Rashid Tailor and Zahid Abbas Zaidi, was delivered at Karachi Central Jail. Accused Irfan and Kaleem were acquitted due to lack of evidence.



Prosecutors Sajid Mehboob Sheikh and Mushtaq Jahangiri said the government had announced a Rs2.5 million reward for anyone who would identify those involved in the killing. The men confessed to killing the PTI leader to prevent public support for the party. The then accused claimed they had been directed to kill the PTI leader by MQM-L leaders.



Hussain was attacked outside her Defence Housing Authority residence on May 17, 2013 on the eve of NA-250 re-polling. The killing stoked tension with the PTI accusing the MQM-L of orchestrating the murder.