In a significant ruling, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has firmly rejected an appeal from a man sentenced to death for murdering four individuals, including his own wife and daughter, in a case of so-called honor killing. The court's decision reinforces the trial court's verdict, delivering a strong message against such brutal crimes.
Court Bench Dismisses Defense Arguments
A division bench of the LHC, comprising Justice Farooq Haider and Justice Ali Zia Bajwa, heard the appeal filed by the convict, Yaseen. The defense counsel argued that the conviction was flawed, claiming that no family members or neighbors present at the time were examined as witnesses, especially since the incident occurred at night. He pleaded for the court to overturn the death sentences.
However, the prosecution, represented by Punjab Assistant Prosecutor General Munir Sial, presented a stark account of the events. The court was informed that a case was officially registered on November 17, 2021, after Yaseen shot and killed four people. The gruesome sequence began with the murder of his wife and daughter inside their home, after which he proceeded to a nearby shop and killed his nephew, Waqas, and a barber named Ilyas.
Trial Court's Verdict and Key Witnesses
The prosecution detailed that the trial court, after completing all necessary legal procedures, awarded Yaseen four death sentences on July 26, 2022. The conviction was not without solid testimony. Key witnesses for the prosecution included the convict's own father-in-law and another individual who sustained injuries during the shooting incident, providing crucial evidence against him.
After carefully considering the arguments from both the defense and the prosecution, the high court bench found no merit in the appeal. The judges upheld the original decision of the additional sessions judge of Kasur, dismissing Yaseen's challenge in its entirety.
A Strong Stance Against Honor Killings
This ruling by the Lahore High Court underscores the judiciary's firm stance in cases of honor-based violence. By upholding the death penalty, the court has affirmed that such heinous acts, claiming the lives of family members under a false pretext of honor, will face the full force of the law. The decision serves as a critical precedent in Pakistan's ongoing legal battle to eradicate honor killings and deliver justice for the victims.
