Karachi (HRNW) — An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Karachi has acquitted seven accused in the Naqeebullah murder case on the grounds of insufficient evidence.
During the hearing, the court acquitted Shoib Shooter, Amanullah Marwat, Gada Hussain, Sadaqat Hussain, Riaz Ahmed, Raja Shamim and Mohsin Abbas.
According to the defence counsel, not a single witness testified against the arrested police personnel that the police encounter was staged or fake.
The state prosecutor told the court that 18 police officers and personnel, including former SSP Malir Rao Anwar, had already been acquitted. The prosecutor further stated that seven police officers and personnel, including former SHO Amanullah Marwat, had previously been absconding. The seven surrendered before the court following the ATC’s decision.
Naqeebullah Mehsud was killed in January 2018 in what was described as an alleged police encounter. A total of 25 accused had been nominated in the case, and all have now been acquitted by the court.
Human Rights Perspective
The Naqeebullah Mehsud case brought national attention to issues surrounding alleged extrajudicial killings, the use of police powers, transparent investigations and the fundamental right to life. Human rights principles require protection of every citizen’s right to life and due process, while criminal liability must be determined on the basis of admissible evidence and the applicable legal standards.
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Disclaimer: This report is based on information regarding the court proceedings and the details provided. The accused were acquitted on grounds of insufficient evidence. Different positions and arguments were presented by the parties at various stages of the proceedings.
