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Six Sentenced to Life Imprisonment in Dr. Khalid Soomro Murder Case
Anti-Terrorism Court sentences six accused to life imprisonment for the 2014 murder of JUI-F leader Dr. Khalid Mahmood Soomro. Maulana Rashid Soomro vows to appeal for stricter penalties.
ND
by News Desk
2024-12-20
Six Sentenced to Life Imprisonment in Dr. Khalid Soomro Murder Case

The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Sukkur has handed down life imprisonment to six individuals convicted in the high-profile murder case of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader Dr. Khalid Mahmood Soomro. The verdict, delivered by Judge Abdul Rehman Qazi, also includes a fine of Rs 1 million for each convict.

Dr. Khalid Soomro was tragically assassinated in Sukkur on November 29, 2014, a case that sent shockwaves across the nation.

The Verdict

After nearly a decade-long legal battle and more than 450 hearings, the ATC announced its decision on Thursday at a special court established in Sukkur Central Jail. The six convicts—Hanif Bhutto, Sarang Totani, Mushtaq Mehar, Darya Khan Jamali, Lutf Jamali, and Altaf Jamali—were sentenced for murder, terrorism, and possession of illegal weapons.

  • Life Imprisonment: For charges of murder and terrorism.
  • Seven Years: For illegal possession of weapons.

The court based its decision on testimony from 17 witnesses and reserved its verdict on December 13, 2024.

Case Background

Dr. Khalid Soomro, a senior JUI-F leader, was gunned down in Sukkur while preparing to deliver a sermon. His assassination sparked widespread outrage and calls for swift justice. The accused have remained in custody at Sukkur Central Jail since December 2014.

Tight Security Measures

Stringent security arrangements were implemented during the verdict's announcement to prevent any untoward incidents.

Reactions to the Verdict

While many welcomed the judgment as a step toward justice, Maulana Rashid Mahmood Soomro, son of the late JUI-F leader, expressed dissatisfaction.

Speaking to the media, he stated:
“The crime has been proven, and the death penalty should have been imposed. We will approach the High Court to challenge the decision and seek stricter punishment for the culprits.”

Implications of the Verdict

The case serves as a significant milestone in Pakistan's judicial process, showcasing the government’s commitment to addressing terrorism-related cases. However, it also underscores the challenges faced by victims' families in their pursuit of justice.

With Maulana Rashid Soomro’s declaration to file an appeal, the legal battle may not yet be over.

 
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