KARACHI – The high-profile Mustafa Amir murder case remains in limbo as the trial court has failed to indict the accused even six months after the submission of the challan. In response to the persistent delays, the victim’s mother, Wajeeha Amir, approached the Sindh High Court (SHC) seeking judicial intervention to expedite the legal process.
The Legal Hurdles
During the hearing at the SHC, the petitioner’s counsel highlighted a series of administrative setbacks that stalled the case. The trial was initially delayed following the passing of the presiding judge of Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) XVI. After being transferred to ATC VI, the Sindh Government initiated a restructuring of the Anti-Terrorism Courts, which resulted in ATC VI being converted into a Narcotics Court, leaving the murder trial without an active forum.
Court’s Intervention
The petitioner argued that such prolonged delays are a violation of the principles of justice. Taking note of the situation, the Sindh High Court has approved the transfer of the Mustafa Amir murder case to a functional court. The SHC has further directed the relevant authorities to allot a new case number to ensure the trial resumes without further hindrance. The primary accused in the case, Armaghan and Shiraz, are currently in judicial custody.
