Law: Pakistan Penal Code (PPC),1860

Section: 302 ,324, 353 ,34

Law: Anti Terrorism Act, 1997

Section: 7

Summary

This judgment from the High Court of Sindh at Karachi deals with the appeal of Irfan alias Jabbal, who was previously convicted by the Anti-Terrorism Court No. IX, Karachi. He was accused of murdering a police officer during a police encounter and was sentenced to life imprisonment and additional penalties under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997.

The appellant challenged the conviction, arguing that the prosecution's evidence was unreliable, particularly the eyewitness testimony, identification procedures, and the handling of forensic evidence. The High Court found significant contradictions and procedural lapses in the prosecution's case, especially regarding the identification of the accused in poor lighting conditions and the lack of an identification parade. The Court concluded that the prosecution failed to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt and acquitted the appellant, ordering his release unless required in another case1.

Core Points

Appellant was convicted for murder of a police officer during an alleged encounter.