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

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.

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

“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.

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.

“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 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.