The Lahore High Court (LHC) has upheld the death sentence of Muhammad Rizwan, a convict found guilty of murder during a robbery in Faisalabad. A two-member bench comprising Justice Shehram Sarwar Chaudhry and Justice Muhammad Tariq Nadeem dismissed the appeal on Tuesday, affirming the trial court’s verdict.
Case Background
According to the prosecution, Muhammad Rizwan shot dead Shehbaz Mahmood during a robbery in 2020 within the jurisdiction of Batala Colony Police Station in Faisalabad. The accused was arrested at the scene of the crime. The trial court had previously sentenced Rizwan to death, prompting him to file an appeal before the LHC.
Court Proceedings
During the hearing, Deputy Prosecutor General Sheikh Muhammad Asif argued for the maintenance of the conviction and sentence, stating that the evidence clearly established the appellant’s guilt. In contrast, the defence counsel sought acquittal, claiming lack of sufficient proof. However, after examining the record and hearing arguments from both sides, the bench found no merit in the appeal. The judges noted that the prosecution had successfully proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Impact and Precedent
The dismissal of the appeal reinforces the lower court’s decision and serves as a strong message against violent crime. The judgment underscores the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims of robbery and murder. The case also highlights the efficiency of the legal process in handling capital punishment appeals, with the LHC thoroughly reviewing the evidence before reaching its conclusion.
This decision is expected to deter similar offenses, as it demonstrates that perpetrators of violent crimes will face the full extent of the law. The Lahore High Court’s ruling reaffirms the principle that those who take lives during criminal acts will be held accountable, with no leniency granted at the appellate stage.
