An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Sukkur sentenced six individuals to double life imprisonment on Friday for the murder of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader Khalid Mehmood Soomro in 2014.
Key Verdict Details
- Life Sentences and Fines:
- The convicts received double life imprisonment for their role in the assassination.
- Additionally, they were sentenced to seven years in prison for illegal possession of weapons and fined over Rs1 million each.
- Extensive Legal Proceedings:
- The verdict was delivered by Judge Abdul Rehman Qazi at Sukkur Central Jail under strict security.
- The court had reserved its decision on December 13 after 450 hearings and testimony from 17 witnesses.
Background of the Case
- The Incident:
- Khalid Mehmood Soomro, who was the JUI-F secretary general and a former senator, was shot dead on November 29, 2014, while offering morning prayers in a mosque.
- The gunmen fled the scene after the attack.
- The Accused:
- The six convicted individuals—Hanif Bhutto, Sarang Totani, Mushtaq Mehr, Darya Khan Jamali, Altaf Jamali, and Latif Jamali—have been in custody since December 2014.
Reactions to the Verdict
- Family’s Disappointment:
- Rashid Mehmood Soomro, the son of the deceased leader, expressed dissatisfaction with the sentence.
- He argued that the death penalty should have been awarded and vowed to appeal the decision in the high court.
- JUI-F Presence:
- Local JUI-F leaders and family members attended the court session to hear the verdict.
Analysis
The verdict is a significant development in a case that has lingered for nearly a decade. While the court’s decision offers some closure, the dissatisfaction expressed by the victim’s family suggests further legal battles ahead.
This high-profile case underscores the challenges of delivering timely justice in politically sensitive cases in Pakistan. Appeals in higher courts could extend the legal process, potentially impacting the broader perception of justice and accountability.
