Shahzeb’s family pardons son's murderers

KARACHI: The family of Shahzeb Khan has pardoned Shahrukh Jatoi and three others accused of his murder.

The Anti Terrorism Court (ATC) had awarded death sentences to Shahrukh Jatoi and Siraj Talpur while two others had been sentenced to life imprisonment. Shahrukh Jatoi had filed an appeal in the Sindh High Court (SHC) against the sentence.

His father DSP Aurangzeb Khan, mother and two sisters submitted separate affidavits in the SHC on July 17 saying that they had pardoned the murderers.

According to the affidavits, Shahzeb’s father and family members have pardoned the appellants outside the Honourable Court without any pressure, coercion or interest but in the name of Allah. The rights of Qiasas and Diyat has been waived and there is no objection if the court acquits the appellants in the larger interest of justice.

According to sources an out-of-court settlement worth Rs350 million was reached in UAE. Australian residency visas have been issued for Shahzeb’s family and they are expected to depart for the country soon. However, Shahzeb's family has denied striking any deal.

Legal experts told Geo News that criminals can be released if pardoned in murder cases but not if they have been convicted under the anti-terrorism law.

Dean Faculty of Islamic Studies at the Karachi University, Dr Shakil Auj while speaking to Geo News said that the punishment for premeditated murder is murder, but if someone is murdered accidentally the issue can be resolved via Diyat.

Shahzeb Khan, 20, was shot dead on the night between December 24 and 25 2012.