ISLAMABAD: The customs court dismissed Ayyan Ali’s plea for acquittal on Friday, after the court observed that there was sufficient evidence on the basis of which the supermodel can be tried by the court.

In its verdict, the Special Court of Customs, Excise and Taxation stated: “It cannot be said at this stage that the charges against the accused are baseless and there is no probability of her conviction.”

Ms Ali’s counsel, Sardar Latif Khan Khosa, filed the plea for her acquittal before the commencement of her trial in a currency smuggling case.

He argued that since there was no probability of the conviction of Ms Ali after the completion of the trial, as evidence against her was weak, the court may acquit her. The court said the law referred by the counsel of the accused was not relevant, which was why the application filed under 265-K of the CrPC was dismissed.

Under Section 265-K, the accused can move an application for acquittal if evidence against the accused is weak.

The court’s verdict said: “It is evident that report filed under Section 173 of the [CrPC] by the prosecution, the statements of the witnesses and other documents available on record are sufficient to proceed further against the accused.”

Published in Dawn, November 7th, 2015

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