ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday issued notices in an appeal challenging the acquittal of Samina Shah, mother of convicted murderer Shahnawaz Amir, in the high-profile Sara Inam murder case. The bench, comprising Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas, also sought responses from the parties on a related application seeking cancellation of the acquittal.
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During the hearing, Raja Rizwan Abbasi, representing the petitioner, urged the court to decide the appeal against Samina Shah’s acquittal first, noting that she had been present at the house during the murder.
Justice Minhas inquired about her specific role in the incident. Justice Tahir noted that Samina Shah had called the police after the crime occurred, which the counsel confirmed. The bench also questioned who else was present in the house at the time, with the petitioner’s lawyer stating that domestic staff were there.
The court allowed initial submissions and issued notices to the respondents, deferring further proceedings until February 17.
Sara Inam, a resident of Islamabad, was murdered in September 2022. Her husband, Shahnawaz Amir, was subsequently convicted by the trial court. The case drew widespread attention due to the nature of the crime and the involvement of multiple family members in the legal proceedings.
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The appeal now seeks to challenge the acquittal of Samina Shah, raising questions about her presence at the scene and potential involvement in the murder. Observers say the upcoming hearings could provide clarity on outstanding legal issues in the case.