KARACHI, April 17: An Anti-Terrorism Appellate (ATA) bench of Sindh High Court, comprising Justice Rehmat Hussain Jafferi and Justice Ali Saindino Metlo, on Monday ordered production of a pauper accused sentenced to death in a kidnapping for ransom case before it on Tuesday.

Earlier, the counsel for pauper accused requested the court to summon the accused as he (counsel) needs assistance of the accused while arguing the appeal.

Abdul Ghaffar and Mohammad Rafiq were sentenced to death, fined for Rs50,000 and a total 17 years jail term under Section 365-A, 377 PPC and 13-D Arms Ordinance.

According to the prosecution, accused kidnapped Mohammad Abid, son of Mohammad Hanif on Dec 19, 2002 and demanded a ransom of Rs1.2 million.

Abdul Ghaffar was arrested red-handed and a joint party of police, CPLC and other investigating agencies recovered Rs20,000 paid to him as first tranche.

Later, the victim was recovered from the residence of Mohammad Rafiq in Korangi. The accused were booked by the Al-Falah Police and charge-sheeted before the ATC-III. The trial court sentenced them to death on charge of kidnapping.

Abdul Ghaffar was also sentenced to serve a 10-year term under Section 377 PPC besides another seven year term and a fine of Rs25000 under Section 13-D of the Arms Ordinance.

The accused preferred the appeal against his conviction and sentence within stipulated time of seven days but proceedings were adjourned as he was not represented by a counsel.

The ATA bench, after giving several chances, appointed Faisal Siddiqui advocate to represent the pauper accused.—APP