Demanding fairness: ‘Fakhra Younus acid attack case needs a retrial’

KARACHI:

Three non-governmental organisations have challenged the acquittal of Bilal Mustafa Khar, the ex-husband of late Fakhra Younus whom he had allegedly attacked with acid nearly 12 years ago.

After being allegedly attacked by Khar, Fakhra jumped to her death in the Italian city of Rome last March. Three petitioners, Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research, Shirkat Gah and Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum, have now sought the retrial.

Faisal Siddiqui, the lawyer representing the groups, said that Khar was acquitted in December 2003 by a sessions judge South Karachi. The lawyer added the trial court had failed to consider the evidence available on record. The lawyer pointed out that there are new laws under which Khar should be tried.

Headed by Justice Maqbool Baqar, a divisional bench of the Sindh High Court recorded the final arguments of the petitioners’ lawyer and adjourned hearing till May 2.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 27^th, 2013.