Naqeebullah murder case: SHC hears family’s appeals over Rao Anwar’s acquittal

WEB DESK: The Sindh High Court heard an appeal challenging the acquittal of former Malir SSP Rao Anwar and others in the controversial Naqeebullah Mehsud murder case. Naqeebullah, a Pashtun aspiring model was killed with three others in an ‘encounter’ in 2018 by the Sindh Police in what they called a ‘raid on TTP hideout’. The claim denied by his family and the militant group, and led to protests in Karachi.

The defense counsel stated that they could only respond after thoroughly reviewing the complete case file. Meanwhile, the petitioner’s lawyer argued that evidence had been tampered with after the charges were framed.

Justice Omar Sial noted in the decision that the prosecution had failed to prove the charges against the accused while it was further contended that the prosecution had also been unable to substantiate allegations of abduction and murder.

The defense counsel argued that confusion in the case could not justify convicting anyone. Justice Sial remarked, “We are not judges who let people off the hook.”

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The petitioner’s lawyer also pointed out that there was a witness to the abduction, but their testimony was not heard. The court adjourned the hearing until May 19 and sought responses from all parties for the next session.

The appeal was filed by Aalam Sher, the brother of the slain Naqeebullah, seeking to overturn the anti-terrorism court’s verdict.