Karachi (HRNW)- An Additional District and Sessions Judge (South) at the City Court Karachi has acquitted Riaz alias Batakh in a case involving alleged possession of narcotics and illegal weapons after ruling that the prosecution failed to establish its case beyond reasonable doubt.
According to the prosecution, the accused was arrested on May 6, 2025, from the Pak Colony area following an alleged police encounter. Authorities claimed to have recovered crystal meth (“ice”) and an illegal firearm from his possession.
However, counsel for the accused, Syed Nadeem-ul-Haq Advocate, argued that the allegations against his client were baseless and that the prosecution had failed to produce even a single independent private witness to support its claims.
The defense further contended that there were material contradictions in the statements of the investigating officer and prosecution witnesses, undermining the credibility of the case.
After examining the evidence, the court held that the inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case created reasonable doubt, entitling the accused to the benefit of that doubt.
The court, therefore, acquitted Riaz alias Batakh with honor and directed that he be released from jail immediately if he is not required in any other criminal case.
Support HRNW:
Support independent journalism and human rights reporting.
https://www.hrnww.com/?page_id=1083
Disclaimer:
This report is based on court proceedings and the judgment delivered by the trial court. The acquittal reflects the court’s finding that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt and does not constitute a determination on matters beyond the scope of the proceedings. HRNW will publish any further legal developments if they arise.
