A Karachi court operating inside the Judicial Complex Jail on Thursday sentenced Atif Zaman to two death penalties after convicting him on two counts of murder in the high-profile killing of television anchor Mureed Abbas and businessman Khizar Hayat, bringing the seven-year-long trial to a close. The court also issued perpetual arrest warrants for co-accused Adil Zaman, who remains absconding.
Details of the Crime
Mureed Abbas, 34, and Khizar Hayat, 45, were shot dead on July 9, 2019, in Karachi's Defence Housing Authority (DHA). According to the prosecution, the killings were the result of a dispute over business and financial dealings. Following the incident, a case was registered against Atif Zaman and Adil Zaman at the Darakhshan Police Station.
During the proceedings, the court observed that Adil Zaman had fled after the Supreme Court revoked his bail and had already been declared a proclaimed offender by the trial court. In September 2020, the Supreme Court cancelled Adil Zaman's bail and directed police to arrest him immediately. However, he managed to escape from the court premises after the order was issued.
Role of the Victim's Family
The bail cancellation had been challenged by Mureed Abbas' widow, Zara Abbas, who argued that the Sindh High Court had overlooked key evidence while granting relief to the co-accused. Her counsel maintained that Adil Zaman was present at the crime scene when Atif Zaman opened fire, killing Mureed Abbas and Khizar Hayat.
Impact and Significance
This verdict marks a significant milestone in Pakistan's judicial system, demonstrating that high-profile murders can be prosecuted effectively. The seven-year trial underscores the complexities involved in such cases, including the need for witness protection and efficient legal procedures.
