ISLAMABAD: A division bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on June 2 adjourned the hearing of appeals filed by convicted murderer, Shahnawaz Amir, against his sentence until after the summer vacation.A division bench comprising Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro and Justice Muhammad Asif heard the appeal against the death sentence of Shahnawaz Amir, as well as the petition against the acquittal of his mother, Samina Shah, in the high-profile Sara Inam murder case.
Advocate Chaudhry Abdul Aziz appeared on behalf of the defendent, while Rizwan Abbasi represented the father of the deceased, Sara Inam. Chaudhry Abdul Aziz began his arguments by reading out the text of the FIR. He informed the court that co-accused Ayaz Amir was discharged from the case at an early stage, and that the order was never challenged before any forum. He also noted that the trial court had acquitted Samina Shah due to a lack of evidence. When the court inquired how Samina Shah had been acquitted, the counsel responded that it was due to insufficient evidence. The court was then informed that counsel for Samina Shah, Nisar Asghar, was in Lahore appearing before another bench. The court observed that arguments had already commenced, and it was only now being disclosed that Samina Shah’s counsel was not present. The lawyers were asked to suggest a date for the next hearing. Advocate Rizwan Abbasi suggested fixing the case for the following week or after the summer vacations. The court subsequently adjourned the hearing until after the summer break.
It may be recalled that Shahnawaz Amir was convicted of murdering his wife, Sara Inam, in September 2022. The trial court had sentenced him to death.—APP
