PESHAWAR, Nov 8: A couple and the man’s brother were acquitted by an additional district and sessions judge on Saturday of a charge punishable under the Hudood Ordinance.

Zahir Shah, his wife Tareena, and his brother Rasheed were charged with the abduction of a girl, Fazeelat, from Daudzai area.

However, Fazeelat appeared before the court and stated that she had married Rasheed of her own free will. She said she had been living a happy life with her husband in Karachi and they had a son.

The court observed that as the girl was not a minor, she was entitled to marry a person of her choice. It said as she had left her home herself and was not abducted, therefore the accused were acquitted.

Last year, an FIR was lodged with the Daudzai police by Muneer Khan, who said his daughter had been abducted by Zahir Shah, his wife and his brother. They were charged under the Offence of Zina (Enforcement of Hudood) Ordinance, 1979.

WARRANTS ISSUED: The additional district and sessions judge on Saturday issued non-bailable arrest warrants for three police officers for violating the court orders.

The SHO of Pishtakhara police station, Umer Farooq, and ASIs Lal Mohammad and Abdul Hameed have not been appearing before the court despite repeated notices.

They are prosecution witnesses in a case filed on Dec 5, 2002, against a woman, Nasreen, who is accused of drug pushing.

Due to non-appearance of the officers no progress has been taking place in the case.

DATES: NWFP University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar’s annual intermediate (pre-engineering) examinations will commence from Dec 23.

According to a press release, first year engineering (all branches) examination will start from Dec 23, while second year engineering (all branches except mechanical engineering) and second year mechanical engineering examinations will commence from Jan 1 and 13, 2004 respectively.

Dates for submitting examination forms and fee to  the controller of examinations’ office are Nov 25 and Dec 2.