The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Thursday ordered the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) to ensure the early completion of proceedings in the Mustafa Amir murder case after the trial court submitted a report regarding delays in the trial.
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The development came after the victim’s mother approached the high court, raising concerns over the prolonged proceedings. The SHC had subsequently sought a progress report from the trial court.
According to the report submitted to the SHC, the trial court held prime accused Armaghan and his lawyer Khurram Abbas responsible for delays in the proceedings.
Also Read: Armaghan confesses to Mustafa Amir’s murder, Police report
A two-member SHC bench comprising Justice Iqbal Kalhoro and Justice Abdul Rehman took up the matter and reviewed the reasons cited for the delay.
After considering the report, the high court directed the ATC to proceed with the trial and complete the proceedings at the earliest in accordance with the law.
The SHC also issued notices to accused Armaghan and Sheeraz, directing both to submit their replies by September 22.
Also Read: Mustafa Amir: From missing to Karachi’s high-profile murder case
During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer told the court that the proceedings had allegedly been delayed through repeated tactics by the accused.
He cited several instances that disrupted the hearings, including disputes between the accused and his parents and the absence of defence counsel.
The lawyer also informed the court that the defence had, at one stage, expressed a lack of confidence in the trial court.
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The petitioner’s counsel urged the high court to issue appropriate directions for the early conclusion of the murder trial.
Following the hearing, the SHC directed the ATC to ensure that proceedings in the Mustafa Amir murder case are completed expeditiously and according to the law.
