SC acquits eight suspects in kidnapping case

Suspects were accused of kidnapping Muhammad Siddique in 2011

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday acquitted eight suspects who were awarded life imprisonment by a trial court in a kidnapping case.

A three-member bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Asif Saeed Khosa heard an acquittal appeal filed by the accused including Naseer Ahmed, Mazhar Hussain and Asad Ali. The suspects were accused of kidnapping Muhammad Siddique from Faisalabad in 2011.

Earlier, the Lahore High Court had dismissed death sentence awarded to Asad by a trial court and converted it to life imprisonment.

During the hearing, Justice Khosa observed that the Siddique was neither recovered by police nor his statement taken during the investigation. He remarked that the witnesses should appear before the court and provide testimony.

The apex court suspended the trial court’s sentence giving the accused benefit of doubt and issued acquittal orders.