ATC acquits Mustafa Kanju in Zain murder case

Son of former state minister had allegedly opened fire on Zain's vehicle near Lahore’s Cavalry Ground area

LAHORE: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Tuesday acquitted five accused including Mustafa Kanju in the Zain murder case.

The court acquitted Kanju, son of former state minister Sadique Kanju, and his guards namely Ikramullah, Asif, Saifullah and Sadiq after eight prosecution witnesses, including Sohail Afzal, complainant of the FIR, denied recognising the accused.

Owing to the non-availability of substantial evidence, the court acquitted all accused.

On April 1, Mustafa had allegedly opened fire on a vehicle near Lahore’s Cavalry Ground area, killing Zain and leaving a passerby injured after a fiery argument.



It is worth mentioning that in previous proceedings complainant Afzal, uncle of the deceased Zain, had appeared before the court and recorded his statement contending he did not recognise the accused clearly as he reached at the spot after one-and-half hour of the murder.

The counsel of the accused had also implored the court in previous proceedings that a compromise was being occurred between both the parties.



Afzal had earlier filed an FIR registered in South Cantt police station under Section 302,324,148,149 of PPC and 7 of the ATA.