| Citation(s) |
|---|
| 2026 SLG 695 2026 SLD 695 = 2026 LHC 2006 |
Lahore High Court
Murder Reference No.37 of 2023 , Crl. Appeal No.14716-J of 2023
Presented By: (Abher Gul Khan) Judge (Aalia Neelum) Chief Justice
Date of hearing: 16.03.2026. Appellant by: M/s Muhammad Ahsan Bhoon, Barrister Muhammad Ali Bhoon, and Barrister Muhammad Afzal Sraa, Advocates. State by: Mr. Muhammad Akhlaq, Additional Prosecutor General, along with Mudassar, Inspector, and Mehboob, S.I. Complainant by: M/s Naveed Ahmad Khawaja and Shahid Asghar Bisria, Advocates, with the brother of the complainant, namely, Iftikhar Ahmad.
Murder Reference No.37 of 2023 , Crl. Appeal No.14716-J of 2023
Presented By: (Abher Gul Khan) Judge (Aalia Neelum) Chief Justice
Date of hearing: 16.03.2026. Appellant by: M/s Muhammad Ahsan Bhoon, Barrister Muhammad Ali Bhoon, and Barrister Muhammad Afzal Sraa, Advocates. State by: Mr. Muhammad Akhlaq, Additional Prosecutor General, along with Mudassar, Inspector, and Mehboob, S.I. Complainant by: M/s Naveed Ahmad Khawaja and Shahid Asghar Bisria, Advocates, with the brother of the complainant, namely, Iftikhar Ahmad.
(The State
VERSUS
Muhammad Sabir), (Muhammad Sabir versus The State, etc.)
Law: Pakistan Penal Code (PPC),1860
Section: 302, 109, 148, 149, 201
hereby dismissed in view of the above discussion and findings. The death sentence awarded to Muhammad Sabir by the trial court is not confirmed.
Order:
- Criminal Appeal No.14716-J of 2023 filed by Muhammad Sabir is allowed.
- Conviction and sentence recorded by the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Lahore, vide judgment dated 06.02.2023, are set aside.
- Muhammad Sabir is acquitted of the charges under Sections 302, 109, 148, 149, and 201 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
- The appellant is directed to be released forthwith if not required in any other case.
- Murder Reference No.37 of 2023 seeking confirmation of the death sentence is dismissed.
The judgment underscores the principle that in cases of doubt, the benefit must accrue to the accused as a matter of right, not grace.