SHC partially allows appeal of 'RAW agent'

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court has partially allowed an appeal filed by an alleged Indian intelligence agency RAW agent against his life imprisonment sentence, setting aside several convictions and reducing one of his sentences.

In its verdict, the high court overturned the life sentence awarded to accused Muhammad Saleem on charges of conspiring against the state and committing armed aggression. It also set aside his conviction under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The court commuted his life sentence for possessing explosives to 10 years in prison. However, it upheld his 10-year imprisonment and fine for possession of illegal weapons.

The court observed that the prosecution had failed to produce credible evidence to establish the alleged links of the accused with RAW or his involvement in a conspiracy against Pakistan.

His travel history showing visits to India, by itself, did not establish his association with RAW or prove a conspiracy against the state, the court noted.

The prosecution also failed to present evidence of any conspiracy, communication with alleged accomplices or preparations to wage war against the state, it added.