Abid Ali Khan
Tarbela Ghazi: The long-standing and highly publicized brother-sister double murder case of Srikot has finally reached its conclusion after 14 years. The Additional Sessions Judge in Ghazi delivered the verdict, sentencing the perpetrator, Muhammad Afsar, to two death penalties, 30 years of imprisonment, and a fine of 5 million rupees. In case of non-payment of the fine, the convict will serve an additional 30 months in prison.
The case, which underwent a four-year trial, was represented by prominent prosecution lawyer Advocate Javed Khan Tanoli, while the defense was represented by Advocate Mubaras Khan. Muhammad Afsar, charged under Sections 302 and 324, committed the crime in the village of Chinar Kot, a suburb of Srikot, in 2011. Enraged during a jirga held to resolve a dispute stemming from a children’s quarrel, Afsar opened fire with a Kalashnikov, killing Rubina Bibi (daughter of Ali Akbar) and Muhammad Ilyas (son of Ali Akbar), both residents of Chinar Kot, and injuring three others. He fled the scene and remained a fugitive for 11 years before being apprehended.
The trial was conducted in the court of Additional Sessions Judge Ghazi, Zafarullah Khan, based on a complaint filed by the victims’ father, Ali Akbar. After four years of proceedings and substantial evidence and prosecution efforts, the judge sentenced Muhammad Afsar to two death penalties, a cumulative fine of 5 million rupees, and 30 years of imprisonment for injuring others and possessing illegal weapons.
Legal and social circles, including the victims’ lawyer Advocate Javed Khan Tanoli, have expressed satisfaction with the decision, terming it a triumph of justice and truth.
