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An eyewitness in the Naqeebullah Mehsud murder case retracted his previous statement during the hearing at an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Tuesday.
The case, which has garnered widespread attention, took an unexpected turn as former SHO Amanullah Marwat, Shoaib Shooter, and other defendants appeared before the court.
Witness Recants Testimony:
During the proceedings, Head Constable Raja Jahangir deviated from his earlier statements, claiming that he was coerced into providing false testimony.
Jahangir alleged that he had signed a statement drafted by the police under pressure from higher authorities, disavowing recognition of the seven accused individuals.
The prosecution swiftly moved to retract the witness’s name from the case following his recantation.
Acquittals and Surrenders:
Former SSP Malir Rao Anwar and 18 police officers, including Amanullah Marwat and seven others, were acquitted in the case, with some accused still at large.
However, subsequent to the ATC’s decision, several of the accused surrendered themselves.
Shoaib Shooter remains out on bail, while six other accused, including Amanullah Marwat, have been apprehended.
Defense Objects, Calls for Correction:
In response to the prosecution’s request, the defense raised objections, arguing against the retraction of the witness’s name.
Instead, they proposed rectifying the witness’s statement, setting the stage for legal deliberations in the upcoming proceedings.
Hearing Adjourned:
With the courtroom drama unfolding, the hearing of the Naqeebullah Mehsud murder case was adjourned until May 4.
As the case continues to captivate public attention, the quest for justice remains paramount for both the victim’s family and the wider community.
Who Was Naqeebullah Mehsud?
Naqeebullah Mehsud, aged 27, met a tragic demise on January 13, 2018, in Karachi during what authorities initially described as a ‘staged police encounter’ in the Malir district.
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Despite being an aspiring model and a diligent textile factory worker, Mehsud was fatally shot alongside three others during a police operation allegedly targeting members of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
However, Mehsud’s family vehemently denied any affiliation with the group, asserting that the encounter was fabricated, sparking a nationwide outcry and demands for justice.
Naqeebullah Mehsud will not get justice.
— Abbas Nasir (@abbasnasir59) January 23, 2023