Karachi (HRNW): The Sindh High Court, while hearing an appeal filed by a convict in a smuggling case, suspended the sentence of Gul Zaman and ordered his release on bail against surety bonds of Rs500,000.
During the hearing, the Customs prosecutor informed the court that the Customs Court had sentenced the accused in July to six years’ imprisonment and a fine after finding him guilty of smuggling.
The court expressed surprise that only the tanker driver had been nominated as an accused in the alleged smuggling case and questioned whether proceedings had been initiated against any other person allegedly involved in the smuggling.
The Sindh High Court also observed that the allegedly smuggled diesel had not been recovered from any border area.
The court noted that the prosecution had failed to explain on what basis the diesel was determined to be smuggled.
After reviewing the case record, the court suspended Gul Zaman’s sentence and ordered his release on bail against surety bonds of Rs500,000.
Human Rights & Rule of Law Perspective
Every accused person is entitled to due process, a fair trial and equal protection of the law. Criminal convictions must be based on legally admissible evidence, while courts are required to examine whether the prosecution has sufficiently established the allegations against an accused.
Support HRNW
Human Rights News Worldwide (HRNW) continues its journalistic efforts to highlight human rights, justice, transparency, accountability and the rule of law. Your support helps us continue raising important issues and bringing matters of public interest to wider audiences.
Disclaimer
This report is based on the proceedings before the Sindh High Court and the positions presented by the parties. Suspension of the sentence and grant of bail do not constitute a final acquittal. The final outcome of the case will be determined through the relevant judicial proceedings.
