KARACHI: Shahrukh Jatoi main accused in high-profile Shahzeb Khan’s murder case has been freed from Malir Jail after 10 years, according to jail authorities. Last month, Supreme Court of Pakistan ordered the acquittal of culprits in Shahzeb murder case. Top court annulled Sindh High Court’s verdict to uphold punishment of accused individuals in case and ordered their release following reconciliation with bereaved family.

On October 18, SC acquitted death row inmate Jatoi along with other convicts in case. At outset of hearing on October 18, accused party’s lawyer Latif Khosa told three-member bench, headed by Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan that parties in case have already reached settlement. Khosa told bench that his clients had no plans of spreading terror, adding that murder case was painted as a terrorist activity.

After acquittal from SC, Attorney-General’s Office decided to file review petition related to decision and prepared draft letter to convey its concerns to apex court. Per letter, opinion of Attorney-General’s Office was not sought before acquitting Jatoi. It added that decisions related to such important constitutional matters should not be taken without consulting AGP’s Office. Shahzeb (20) was shot dead on night between December 24 and 25 in 2012 in a posh locality.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 24 2022

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