ATC Acquits Policemen in Staged Encounter Killing Case
An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Karachi has acquitted two policemen, Constables Uzair Ahmed and Abdul Qadir, who were charged with staging a ‘police encounter’ resulting in the death of Shiraz Ahmed in 2018.
The ATC-XIX judge ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the charges against the accused. The court directed the release of Abdul Qadir and cancelled the surety bond of Uzair Ahmed. Another co-accused, Ataullah, passed away during the trial.
The case was registered by Nadra Parveen, mother of the deceased, alleging that her son was shot by the police, thrown into a drain, and then shot again. The police claimed it was a ‘fake police encounter’.
The defence argued that there was a delay in filing the case and that a key witness was ‘planted’. Ultimately, the court found the evidence insufficient to convict the accused.
This case highlights the challenges in prosecuting police officers accused of misconduct. While this verdict may be contentious, it underscores the importance of a thorough and transparent judicial process.