Shahrukh Jatoi outside the court premises. PHOTO: ATHAR KHAN/EXPRESS
The culprit’s conceit is understandable, given the clout he brought to bear in fleeing the country soon after committing the crime: he travelled to the UAE without being intercepted by the immigration staff. When he was finally brought back to Pakistan, he realised, much to his chagrin, that personal influence can go only so far. Shahrukh and his accomplices were found guilty of murdering the young man in cold blood on December 24, 2012, over a trivial matter.
Under due process of law, the convicts can file appeals against their conviction. The grieving family and a tight band of online warriors, who have pursued the case with remarkable perseverance and tenacity, will need to wait a little longer until the superior judiciary either upholds or sets aside the sentence. In a country where wheels of justice turn agonisingly slowly, the judgment in this case, which had riveted the civil society’s attention from the outset, must be noted for its remarkable speed. This swiftness may not have been possible had it not been for the social media’s vibrant role in keeping the case in the spotlight, which also ensured that the accused could not suppress the case or erase it from the public’s memory. The case had evoked the interest of all and sundry because it had begun to be perceived as a litmus test of which way the class struggle settles. At least for now, the weaker side has won half the battle.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 9th, 2013.
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COMMENTS (15)
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Its very unfortunate that in this case a just verdict was achieved in a reasonable time frame under public pressure which forced the SC to take notice. It is also very unfortunate that the CJP has done nothing to ensure that all cases are dealt with with such alacrity.
I don't believe all u people demanding life imprisonment for these .... i dont even have words to describe these people... Calling them devil would be insulting the devil... Did you people see the way he came out of the court and the health he is in? Jail is like a palace for these influential people they get all the luxuries they want in their... He would spend the life of a King in there... All you people having sympathies for these people disgust me...
@James Joyce: Dear Mr. Joyce. This person Shahrukh Jatoi and his accomplices shot Shahzeb Khan in cold blood because his sister called him in panic that one of Jatoi servants was harrassing her outside their apartment. Shahzeb went and confronted that servant. Jatoi and Talpur killed him with over 9 bullets at point blank. They dont need life imprisonment - they need to be taken off this planet!!
I am not for capital punishment but would like to see all of them spend rest of their lives behind bars with out any parole and be reminded of the brutal cold blooded murder they have committed. Above all it is time that all those who has facilitated Shahrukh Jatoi's escape to UAE should also be brought to justice. It is so shameful for us Pakistanis living in other countries when the local press harp on how unlawful Pakistan has become, it seems the judiciary is taking solid steps to bring the country under law and order. I appreciate your editorial and Pakistani press in general, you people are also mending the country for good.
This is indeed a victory for justice. It still makes me sad, though, that two more young people (however horrific their judgment may have been) now have to die in order to avenge one death. I wonder if life imprisonment wouldn't be a better way of making them contemplate the consequences of their action.
The editorial must not endorse death penalty to anybody. These stupid kids have no idea what they are doing and life time in jail would be more humane. All those who want swift death for these kids should wait. They should be awarded their punishment a few years after Qadri is hanged. Why so hurry against these kids and not Qadri who is having VIP life in jail? Jatoi family is powerful and they have their own seats and they were not in PPP before elections. After elections the family has joined PML-N with their elected NA and SA members.
Justice will actually be served after the judgement is executed.
Justice should be done and Media should highlight all cases with fair reporting? What about Justice for Hamza? And thousands of other other people were killed mercilessly? Why media created hype only in this justice for Shahzeb case?What is agenda except the one to malign one ethnic group?
The animal instincts in the feudals should not go unpunished, not a semblance of remorse in this kid, his parents did a huge disservice to this poor chap.
Of Shahrukh Jatoi and other carnivorous animals.
Sadly the interior Sindh will continue voting for the likes of Jatois, and not develop middle and lower middle class leadership like the urban Sindh
Finally, justice has been served and I hope the smug arrogance of these killers is erased very soon
Since both the accused has been handed down death sentences by the honourable court, they should be hanged owithout any further delay.
Since the accused persons have got political influence and are financially sound, let the judgment should be implemented forthwith but the accused have to file an appeal against the judgement.
These fudeul lords think that they can buy any thing with their money. This is not true. In this case if they offer all of their money to the parents of the boy who was killed by the accused, they will do that. NO.
I don't think that unless President Zardari is sitting in power, both the accused people will remain alive, as Mr.Zardari is against to execution therefore, execution could be delayed.
The higher court should take their due time for the case. They should hold it till Zardari is President, otherwise like many other cases, he will pardon. These Criminal Nawabs and Son of Nawabs should get the due punishment.
Mr. Editor. You are correct in stating that " the weaker side has won half the battle." They now face our Superior Judiciary that has historically set aside many lower court verdicts on spurious grounds thereby helping to create an atmosphere of impunity. That's why the crass behaviour of the young offenders is a demonstration of contempt towards the court and society. Nevertheless the noose is tightening and a lessened hold on power by PPP linked Wadheras will be a deterrent for everyone to reduce the tempo of violence in the country.
@ET..........Editorial has encompassed the sad saga in an appropriate manner & the inevitable has yet to come.The eyes of the entire nation are focused on Superior Judiciary.........JUSTICE MUST PREVAIL AT ALL COSTS OR ELSE PEOPLE WILL LOSE FAITH IN LIFE & JUSTICE.
I pray that all the victims in Pakistan may get the speedy justice as done in the instant case. I also pray that the decision may be upheld by higher courts and may not be changed on technical grounds.