ATC verdict in Zain murder case unfair, says Justice Amir

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ISLAMABAD: Slain student Zain’s mother on Monday said that they were not capable of fighting the case further and has accepted anti-terrorism court’s (ATC) verdict as Allah’s will.

Justice Amir Hani Muslim, while hearing the case that the ATC’s verdict in Zain murder case was unfair and family of the slain should not fear anyone. Late Zain’s mother stated that the family has accepted ATC’s verdict although it is not fair. Justice Hani said that it is state’s responsibility to bring culprits to justice.

The court decided to hold hearing of the case in Justice Hani’s chamber at 11:30pm today. The ATC had acquitted the accused persons on October 27. The Chief Justice (CJ) of Pakistan Anwar Zaheer Jamali had taken suo moto notice of the case. A hearing was held on November 10 in this regard in which the court had summoned witnesses on November 16.

Earlier, the SC had summoned complete record of the case after the high court had to give verdict in the accused favour. All the witnesses in the case including the petitioner had reverted on their statements.

The bench formed to hear the case includes Justice Manzoor Malik and Justice Tariq Masood besides Justice Hani. The court had issued notices to Punjab Advocate General and Punjab Police prosecutor. The police had arrested two witnesses in September after they retracted their statements. The personnel said that the witnesses validated that Kanju was drunk and opened indiscriminate fire.