KARACHI, Dec 20: The Sindh High Court set aside on Thursday the conviction of Mohammed Akram, an activist of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, on his appeal challenging his conviction by a Suppression of Terrorist Activities (STA) court Karachi on charges of possessing two handgrenades.
A division bench, comprising Justice Ataur Rahman and Justice Mohammed Afzal Soomro, directed the authorities to release the appellant forthwith if not require in any other case.
The appellate bench passed such order as the prosecution story had many flaws and the prosecution, at the time of trial, did not obtain permission from the provincial government, which was necessary in cases relating to the Explosive Acts.
The appellant’s counsel, Javed Chattari, contended in the court that police had cooked up a false story regarding recovery of handgrenades from the appellant’s house. He further submitted that police implicated him due to his political affiliation.
On August 28, 2000 the Judge of the STA court awarded five years’ rigorous imprisonment and also ordered confiscation of all property of the accused.
According to the prosecution, the Brigade police arrested the accused, Mohammed Akram, and raided his house at Jut Lines area and recovered two hand- grenades. Later, police registered a case under the Explosives Act and submitted challan in the STA court.
PLEA REJECTED: An appellate bench of the Sindh High Court dismissed two appeals filed by Mohammed Nawaz and Taweez Gul praying to modify their sentences awarded by the Special Court (Control of Narcotic Substances) Karachi on charges of drug trafficking.
The bench, comprising Justice Ataur Rahman and Justice Mohammed Afzal Soomro, while maintaining the conviction and sentence of the trial court, observed that the appellants, in their pleas of guilt, had admitted to be in possession of 1.5 and 2 kg charas, respectively, and their counsel had not been able to point out the illegality or impropriety committed by the trial court.
On Aug 23, Judge Ali Nawaz Pirzada of the trial court awarded six years’ RI with a fine of Rs20,000 each to accused Mohammed Nawaz and Taweez Gul.
On August 12, 2000 a patrolling party of Site police station recovered 3.5 kg charas from their possession.—PPI