KARACHI (HRNW)- The Sindh High Court (SHC) has set aside the convictions of four individuals, including personnel from the Anti-Encroachment Force, in a case involving the alleged recovery of over 20 kilograms of hashish (charas). The court accepted the appeals of the accused and ordered their immediate release from jail, provided they are not required in any other case.
Background and Trial Court Verdict
The accused—identified as Anti-Encroachment Force personnel Sikandar, Saleem, and Wali Muhammad, along with a juvenile named Ahmed—were arrested by the police on June 16, 2023, from Musharraf Colony. According to the police, approximately 5.5 kg of hashish was recovered from each individual. On February 24, 2025, a Sessions Court had sentenced them to 14 years of imprisonment each, along with fines.
Defense Arguments and Judicial Findings
During the hearing of the appeals, defense counsel Liaquat Gabol Advocate pointed out several critical flaws and contradictions in the prosecution’s case:
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Lack of Independent Witnesses: The prosecution failed to present any private or independent witnesses to verify the arrests and recovery.
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Procedural Irregularities: There was no photographic or video evidence of the arrest, and the allegedly recovered drugs were not sealed at the crime scene, as required by law.
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Conflicting Statements: The defense highlighted significant contradictions in the statements provided by the prosecution’s witnesses.
The Sindh High Court, after reviewing the arguments, found the evidence insufficient to maintain the conviction and subsequently ordered the release of the four men.
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