ISLAMABAD: A division bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday issued notices in an appeal challenging the acquittal of Samina Shah, mother of convicted murderer Shahnawaz Amir, in the Sara Inam murder case, and sought responses from the parties.

The bench, comprising Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas, also issued notices on the application seeking cancellation of Samina Shah’s acquittal and adjourned the hearing until February 17.

During the hearing, Raja Rizwan Abbasi Advocate, representing the petitioner, argued that the appeal against Samina Shah’s acquittal should be decided first as she was present at the house at the time of the murder.

Justice Minhas asked what role Samina Shah had played in the incident. Justice Arbab Mohammad Tahir observed that she had called the police after the occurrence, to which the counsel confirmed, saying that she had indeed made the call.

The bench then asked who else was present in the house at the time. The petitioner’s counsel replied that domestic staff were also present. Raja Rizwan Abbasi submitted that he wished to argue the acquittal application first, but the court observed that such arguments could have a bearing on the main appeal.

After hearing the initial submissions, the court issued notices to the respondents and deferred the hearing to February 17.

Sara Inam was murdered in September 2022. Her husband, Shahnawaz Amir, was later convicted by the trial court.

Published in Dawn, January 27th, 2026