Prime suspect sentenced to death twice in Murad Abbas murder case

KARACHI: A Karachi court on Thursday sentenced prime suspect Atif Zaman to death twice for the murder of television anchor Murad Abbas and his friend Khizar Hayat, nearly seven years after the high-profile killings.

The Additional District and Sessions Court found Atif Zaman guilty of murdering both victims and awarded him two death sentences.

The court also imposed a fine of Rs1 million, directing that the amount be divided equally between the heirs of the two victims. In case of non-payment, the convict will have to serve an additional prison term.

The court also upheld the perpetual arrest warrants issued for co-accused Adil Zaman, who has been declared a proclaimed offender after absconding when the Supreme Court rejected his bail plea.

The case remained under trial for several years, during which the prosecution presented forensic evidence, eyewitness testimonies and other material before the court.

The verdict was reserved after the completion of final arguments and announced on Wednesday.

Background

Murad Abbas and his friend Khizar Hayat were shot dead on July 9, 2019, in Karachi’s Defence Phase VI, Bukhari Commercial area.

According to investigators, the killings stemmed from a dispute over business dealings and investment matters between Murad Abbas and Atif Zaman.

Prosecutors said Atif Zaman opened fire on both men before allegedly attempting to take his own life by shooting himself. He survived the suicide attempt and was later arrested and put on trial.