KARACHI: An antiterrorism court on Saturday handed down 19-year imprisonment each to two street criminals on charges of committing an armed robbery, encounter with police, possessing illicit arms and causing terrorism.

Accused Farooq Masih and Haroon Masih were found guilty of committing an armed robbery, encountering with police with an intention to kill and causing terror within the jurisdiction of Zaman Town police station in March this year.

The ATC-XX judge, who conducted the trial in the judicial complex inside the central prison, pronounced his verdict reserved after recording evidence and final arguments from both sides.

The judge also imposed a fine of Rs80,000 on the convicts. On default, they would have to undergo additional 15-month imprisonment.

State prosecutor Iqbal Meo said that two armed motorcyclists snatched as many cell phones and cash from the complainant, Suleman, and tried to escape, but a police patrol arrived the scene, chased and caught them near the Indus Hospital in Korangi.

He added that during the exchange of gunfire one accused, Farooq Masih, got wounded.

The prosecutor argued that there was sufficient evidence to establish the role of the accused in commissioning of the alleged offence.

However, defence counsel claimed innocent on the part of their clients, contending that the police had framed them in a false case and pleaded to acquit them.

Two cases were registered under the relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997 at the Zaman Town police station against them.

Published in Dawn, November 27th, 2022