ATC Rawalpindi Reserves Verdict on Plea to Re-Arrest 10 in Sidra Murder Case
ATC Rawalpindi Reserves Verdict on Plea to Re-Arrest 10 in Sidra Murder Case
An Anti-Terrorism Court in Rawalpindi on Monday reserved its verdict on a police application seeking the re-arrest of 10 suspects and permission to conduct a fresh investigation in the Sidra murder case, the alleged honour killing of 17-year-old Sidra Bibi.
ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah heard the application and said the court would announce its decision on October 7. All 10 suspects appeared before the court on Monday.
The police have asked the court to allow the suspects’ arrest under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act and to re-investigate the case under the terrorism law. The investigation team told the court it was a serious and sensitive offence, and that terrorism provisions had been added to the case on the recommendation of a Joint Investigation Team.
Sidra murder case: who the suspects are
Among those produced in court was Asmatullah, a Muslim League leader and jirga chairman accused of ordering the alleged honour killing. The others include the victim’s father, her brother, her first husband, a graveyard record keeper and a loader driver.
The remaining named suspects are Ajmal Khan, Ziaur Rehman, Khial Mohammad, Mohammad Sohail, Abdus Salam, Sanaullah, Arab Gul, Gul Badshah, Amir Khan and Sikandar.
Sidra Bibi was 17 when she was allegedly killed. She had married a man of her choice after a divorce, a decision her family is said to have opposed.
What “reserved verdict” means
When a court reserves its verdict, the judge has finished hearing arguments and will deliver the decision on a later date. Monday’s ruling will not be the final judgment in the murder case. It will decide only whether the police may arrest the suspects again under the Anti-Terrorism Act and investigate the case afresh.
Why terrorism provisions were added
Terrorism charges in such cases usually rest on the argument that the killing was meant to spread fear through a community. A Joint Investigation Team recommended adding the provisions, and the case will now proceed under the Anti-Terrorism Act if the court allows the police application.
Honour killings and the law in Pakistan
Pakistan amended its criminal law in 2016 to close the legal loophole that let killers walk free after being “forgiven” by the victim’s family in honour cases. The changes made murder in the name of honour non-compoundable, meaning the state prosecutes the accused even if relatives forgive them.
Frequently asked questions
What did the ATC decide on Monday?
The Anti-Terrorism Court in Rawalpindi reserved its verdict on the police application seeking the re-arrest of 10 suspects under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act and permission to re-investigate the case.
When will the verdict be announced?
ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah will announce the decision on October 7.
Who is accused in the Sidra murder case?
Ten suspects appeared in court, including jirga chairman Asmatullah, who is accused of ordering the alleged honour killing, along with the victim’s father, brother, first husband and six other named accused.
Is this the final judgment in the murder case?
No. Monday’s reserved verdict concerns only the police plea for re-arrest and a fresh investigation. The trial itself will continue after the court decides the application.
