CJP-led Sharia bench commutes death sentence to life Imprisonment in landmark ruling

The Supreme Court's Shariat Appellate Bench, presided over by Chief Justice Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, delivered its first verdict in four years, converting a death sentence to life imprisonment.

The five-member bench ordered the release of Taj Muhammad, a juvenile offender convicted of murdering his lawyer.

The court ruled that Taj Muhammad, who has already served 20 years of his sentence, should be released if he is not implicated in any other cases.

On August 1, the CJP-led five-member panel constituted the SC Shariat Appellate Bench after a long interval.

Shariat Appellate Bench plays a crucial part in interpreting Islamic laws within the framework of Pakistan’s legal system.

During today's proceedings, Additional Advocate General K-P Nouroz Khan mentioned that the slain lawyer was his classmate, prompting CJP Isa to question the relevance of this statement, suggesting it could be perceived as an attempt to influence the court.

Chief Justice Isa raised the critical question of why Taj Muhammad murdered his own lawyer.

The government counsel responded that Taj Muhammad was a habitual criminal who killed his lawyer for money.

The court noted that it is unusual for a defendant to murder their lawyer, who is typically considered their ally.

Taj Muhammad, hailing from Peshawar Mari, was arrested in 2002 on charges of murder.

The Shariat Appellate Bench's decision in this case has been significant, drawing attention from legal circles due to the long gap in its proceedings and the unusual nature of the crime.