The Supreme Court of Pakistan acquitted the accused in the high-profile murder case of Sindh High Court Judge Khalid Shahani’s son, citing flaws in the investigation and weak prosecution. The decision overturns previous convictions and marks a significant development in the long-running case.
Justice Athar Minallah authored a short order that set aside the verdicts of both the trial court and the Sindh High Court. The detailed judgment explaining the court’s reasoning will be released later, providing clarity on the legal grounds for acquittal.
The acquitted convicts, Sikandar Lashari and Irfan alias Faheem, had previously been sentenced to death for the murder of Hunain Tariq in 2014. The Supreme Court found that critical gaps in the investigation and insufficient evidence had undermined the prosecution’s case against them.
The case had drawn national attention due to the victim’s identity as the son of a sitting Sindh High Court judge. Public interest and media coverage remained high throughout the trial, highlighting concerns about justice and the effectiveness of law enforcement in handling sensitive cases.
Furthermore, legal experts noted that the apex court’s decision reinforces the importance of thorough investigations and strong evidence in securing convictions, especially in cases carrying severe penalties such as the death sentence.
Finally, while the acquittal brings relief to the convicts, it may also spark discussions about improving investigative procedures in Pakistan. Authorities are expected to review the case and consider measures to prevent similar lapses in future high-profile trials.