LAHORE, Aug 6: An anti-terrorism court awarded on Tuesday capital punishment to an accused involved in the murder case of Lahore Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) former chairman Dr Yaqoob.

BISE Union former president Maqbool Hussain was sentenced to death with Rs1 million fine. In case of non-payment of fine Maqbool would have to undergo further imprisonment of six months.

The accused was also ordered to pay Rs300,000 compensation to the legal heirs of Dr Yaqoob.

The court acquitted Maqbool’s brother and co-accused Maqsood Hussain giving him the benefit of doubt.

As alleged by the prosecution, Maqbool along with his brother had on Sept 27, 2001, entered the office of Dr Yaqoob and abused him for having initiated departmental inquiry against him.

It was further alleged that Maqbool also accused Dr Yaqoob of issuing job termination notice against him.

According to the FIR, Maqbool fired 12 gunshots at Dr Yaqoob resulting in latter’s death on the spot.

Maqbool and Maqsood were arrested in October last and the trial was initiated before an ATC in January this year.

The prosecution produced 17 witnesses against the two accused.

The court, while acquitting co-accused Maqsood, observed that the prosecution could not establish case against him. The court was not satisfied with the prosecution witnesses’ testimony regarding his abetment with the principal accused.

Maqbool can challenge the verdict against him before the Lahore High Court within seven days.