Peshawar ATC Reserves Verdict In Mashal Khan Murder Case

The ATC will announce the verdict on March 16.

Peshawar (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 12th March, 2019) The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Peshawar has reserved a verdict in Mashal Khan lynching case.

Mashal was brutally killed at Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan on allegations of blasphemy in April 2017. However, the allegations were later proved to be false by a joint investigation team.

The lawyers of both the parties concluded their arguments in the case following which the ATC has reserved the verdict.

The ATC will announce the verdict on March 16.

The court had earlier recorded the statements of 40 witnesses and Mashal’s father.

On February 7, 2018, the Anti-Terrorism Court Haripur had announced judgment in the case and awarded death sentence to prime accused Imran, five accused were given life imprisonment and 25 were jailed for four years each.

However, 26 others were acquitted over lack of evidence. Later, Mashal's family and KP Government had challenged the decision of ATC. On February 27, 2018, the Peshawar High Court ordered the release of the 25 accused who had been awarded three to four-year sentences in the case on bail.

The lawyer of 25 accused had pleaded that there was a provision in the law under which those sentenced to less than five years in jail could be released on bail while their appeal was being heard.