Sixteen years have elapsed since the tragic assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, and the nation remains entangled in a web of unanswered questions and unsolved mysteries surrounding this high-profile case.
Despite comprehensive investigations conducted by various entities, including the Punjab police, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Scotland Yard, and the United Nations’ international expert, the murder continues to elude resolution.
The latest development in this enduring saga was the last hearing held in May 2023, further deepening the mystery that enshrouds this significant event in the country’s history.
Benazir met her untimely demise on December 27, 2007, in a mysterious shooting and suicide attack at Liaquat Bagh, following an election rally.
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The incident not only claimed the life of the former premier but also resulted in the death of 27 workers and left 98 others injured.
This complex case has seen a series of legal proceedings, including seven challans, 12 judge changes, 291 appearances, and the testimony of 57 government witnesses, among them American journalist Mark Segal.
The accused in this high-profile case, namely Aitzaz Shah, Sher Zaman, Abdul Rasheed, Rafaqat, and Hasnain, were initially arrested and charged. The FIA expanded the scope by implicating then-president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf, City Police Officer Saud Aziz, and SP City Khurram Shahzad, bringing the total accused to eight.
While the Anti-Terrorism Court acquitted the five suspects, the two police officers received 17 years each in prison.
General (retd) Pervez Musharraf, declared a fugitive, had his assets confiscated, adding another layer of complexity to the case. Aitzaz Shah, Sher Zaman, and Hasnain were released, but Abdul Rasheed remains incarcerated, and Rafaqat Hussain went missing after his release.
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The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leadership, including Asif Ali Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto, Asifa Bhutto, and Bakhtawar Bhutto, did not actively engage in the case despite repeated court notices.
Appeals against the sentences led to the release of the two police officers on bail.
The death of General (retd) Musharraf rendered appeals against him ineffective. The FIA, dissatisfied with the acquittal of the five accused, filed appeals seeking increased sentences for the police officers.
The Lahore High Court’s (LHC) Rawalpindi bench is anticipated to schedule the case for a hearing in February 2024.
While Asad Abbasi Advocate, PPP’s lawyer, exudes confidence in the robust grounds of the appeals, families of the martyred workers express frustration over unfulfilled promises of financial assistance, plots, and jobs.
Chaudhary Iftikhar, PPP’s senior vice president, acknowledges the profound impact of Benazir’s assassination, expressing the belief that the true culprits will ultimately face judgment on the Day of Judgment.
As the legal battle endures, the quest for justice in Benazir’s assassination remains an ongoing challenge for the judiciary and the affected families.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 27th, 2023.
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