LHC upholds the decision of Anti-Terrorist Court Gujranwala

Lahore High Court Bench comprising Justice Abdul Sami Khan and Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan while dismissing the appeal of accused involved in the murder of two brothers after torturing them severely in Sialkot has upheld the decision of Anti-Terrorist Court Gujranwala.

According to Spokesman of Prosecution Department, on August 15, 2010, two brothers namely Hafiz Munib and Hafiz Mughees were tortured and killed in Sialkot in the suspicion of dacoity and this incident was also reported in international media. Prime Minister Pakistan and Chief Minister Punjab took notice of the incident and visited the site.

After registration of the case, the investigation was completed and the next year, Anti-Terrorist Court Gujranwala awarded two counts death sentence each to seven accused Ali Raza, Muhammad Shafique, Muhammad Amin, Sarfraz Ahmed, Muhammad Iqbal, Rashid and Jamil. The court also awarded life imprisonment to six other accused Qaiser, Hasan Raza, Jamshaid, Muhammad Waris, Ateeb and Asghar Ali. The accused challenged the decision in Lahore High Court and LHC has dismissed the appeal and upheld the verdict of Anti-Terrorist Court. Deputy Prosecutor General Khurram Khan represented the state in the case.

In another case, Anti-Terrorist Court II Gujranwala has awarded six times death sentence, four times life imprisonment each to two accused Jahangir and Asif and fine of Rs. 5.20 lakh for murdering police officials and the under-custody accused. The court has also awarded five times life imprisonment and a fine or Rs. 50 thousand each to other two accused Liaqat and Rana Tehseen.

According to the spokesman of Prosecution Department, the accused had murdered two police constables Gulfam and Hafeez Ullah and under-custody accused Shahab ud Din when they were being brought to court for appearing. Accused Shabir and a constable Iftikhar were injured due to firing. Deputy Prosecutor General Nasir Ali represented the state in the case.