Sindh High Court Directs Police Appeal in Murtaza Bhutto Murder Case

Strategic Insights -

The Sindh High Court has directed that the police officer's appeal against the acquittal of Pakistan People's Party-Shaheed Bhutto (PPP-SB) activists in the Mir Murtaza Bhutto murder case be placed before a division bench. The PPP-SB activists, including Ghulam Mustufa, Mehmood, Asif, Akhtar, Dr. Mazhar Memon, and Asghar Ali, were acquitted by the Sessions Court due to lack of evidence. The case revolves around the alleged shoot out between Mir Murtaza Bhutto, brother of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, and the police on September 20, 1996.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Sindh High Court has directed the police officer's appeal against the acquittal of PPP-SB activists in the Mir Murtaza Bhutto murder case to be placed before a division bench.
  • The activists, including Ghulam Mustufa, Mehmood, Asif, Akhtar, Dr. Mazhar Memon, and Asghar Ali, were acquitted by the Sessions Court due to lack of evidence.
  • The case revolves around the alleged shoot out between Mir Murtaza Bhutto and the police on September 20, 1996.
  • A separate appeal filed by PPP-SB against the acquittal of former IG Sindh Shoaib Suddle and other police officials is also pending before the SHC division bench.
  • The court has also issued a notice to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) authorities in a lawsuit by a transporter against alleged interference by the airline.

Statistics:

  • 7 people, including Mir Murtaza Bhutto and his close aide Ashiq Jatoi, were killed in the alleged shoot out on September 20, 1996.
  • 9 defendants, including Ghulam Mustufa, Mehmood, Asif, Akhtar, Dr. Mazhar Memon, and Asghar Ali, were acquitted by the Sessions Court.
  • The case has been pending for over 25 years.
  • A separate appeal against the acquittal of former IG Sindh Shoaib Suddle and other police officials is also pending before the SHC division bench.

Sources:

  • [Sindh High Court]
  • [Pakistan People's Party-Shaheed Bhutto]