Shahrukh Jatoi's acquittal: Mahira Khan, Anoushey Ashraf among others slam SC's 'shameful' verdict

Despite being awarded the death penalty in June 2013, Shahzeb Khan’s murderer was released today

Social media declared Tuesday as “yet another” black day for the judicial system of the country after the Supreme Court of Pakistan acquitted Shahrukh Jatoi in the 2012 Shahzeb Khan murder case. Despite being awarded the death penalty in June 2013 by an anti-terrorism court (ATC), Jatoi and other accused people along with him, Siraj Talpur, Sajjad Talpur and Ghulam Murtaza Lashari were also freed today.

Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan headed a three-member bench as it heard the case today. During the hearing, Jatoi's counsel Latif Khosa argued that “the parties have already reached an agreement.” He added, “The accused had no intention of spreading terror. The murder event was presented as a case of terrorism.”

Jatoi’s acquittal has not only created an aura of fear and disappointment among citizens but also rage against the judiciary for going back on their words. Celebrities, who were vocal while protesting against cases of spineless murderers, have also raised their voices against the supreme court’s decision—only this time, even they have lost hope for justice and see criminal trials as mere trends now.

Stand-up comedian and musician Ali Gul Pir first shared the news on his Instagram stories to comment on how abuse, murder, and rape cases end up becoming only “trends.” He captioned the story, “[There’s] no justice in this land but only periodic outrage at all the [Zahir] Jaffers and Shahnawazs. The trend changes and then they’re set free.”

Actor Mahira Khan found the “power-influenced” verdict “sick” and “shameful.”

Power di game!!! Sickk!! Shameful! https://t.co/SEj5SkX5Dn

— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) October 18, 2022

While Kinza Hashmi highlighted how if such a highly publicised murder case failed to get justice, she can’t imagine what atrocity a common man would have to go through on a daily basis. “A case so extensively highlighted in media gets this judgement, the criminal is free. I wonder what happens to unknown cases every day? Why is it so hard to get justice in this country? Why are we okay with all this?” read her note.

“Total acquittal?” questioned Anoushey Ashraf in disbelief. “Pakistan will never be free of its miseries because of the blood its people have spilt and gotten away with. May the judge of this ruling have sleepless nights for the rest of his life,” read her note while she further added how she won’t be surprised if Noor Muqaddam’s murderer gets released in future.

Total acquittal? Pakistan will never be free of its miseries because of the blood it’s people have spilt and gotten away with. May the judge of this ruling have sleepless nights for the rest of his life. https://t.co/slut4CPcx5

— Anoushey Ashraf (@Anoushey_a) October 18, 2022

“[I guess we’re all] waiting on Zahir Jaffer’s release so we can slap ourselves one more time and then go about our lives like ‘it is what it is’” she concluded.

Singer Haroon Shahid warned his followers to “move out” of the country for the sake of their children after hearing the acquittal news. He further expressed his worry for the victim’s family.

Time to pack up and leave. For those of you who are young, educated and determined please, for the sake of your children, move out if the opportunity arises. https://t.co/OE2FIBzcQv

— Haroon Shahid (@Haroon_5hahid) October 18, 2022

“Shahzeb's parents apparently settled abroad after the incident but today I worry for the safety and well-being of all the people who testified against this monster. Will the honourable judges and police provide and guarantee them safety and protection?” he questioned.

Shahzeb's parents apparently settled abroad after the incident but today I worry for the safety and well being of all the people who testified against this monster. Will the honorable judges and police provide and guarantee them safety and protection?

— Haroon Shahid (@Haroon_5hahid) October 18, 2022

Actor Ali Ansari found it hard to believe the current law and order of Pakistan. “Seems like you can get away with pretty much anything. In recent events, that took place like ‘Zahir Jaffer’ and another murder recently in Islamabad, the nation was fighting for justice. However, it looks like there’s no hope. It’s a sad day for Pakistan.”


The mastermind behind Elan, Khadija Shah also commented on the news. “Another black day for Pakistan’s judiciary. It must suck wearing the badge of one of the worst judicial systems in the world, proudly.”

100 percent surprised that this country keeps voting for feudals and so called educated enlightened people push their agendas and behave like slaves to them. https://t.co/BFAmGUy0eC

— KhadijahShah (@khadijah_shah) October 18, 2022

Shahzeb Khan’s murder incident

Shahzeb Khan, the 20-year-old son of former deputy superintendent of police Aurangzeb Khan, was gunned down on Saba Avenue in Karachi's Defence Housing Authority (DHA) on the night of December 24, 2012.

Shahzeb had returned home from a wedding with his family when an employee of the accused verbally harassed his sister. He confronted the accused and demanded an apology.

The accused, however, were remorseless and refused to apologise for the behaviour of their employee. The issue was apparently resolved when Shahzeb's father intervened and tried to pacify both his son and the other party.

Soon after, Shahzeb left his house in his car and was on Saba Avenue when the accused chased him down and shot him dead in public. The murder sparked outrage across the country leading to then chief justice, Iftikhar Chaudhry, taking suo motu notice of the incident.