A Karachi court on Thursday handed down two death sentences to prime suspect Atif Zaman for the murders of television anchor Murad Abbas and his friend Khizar Hayat, nearly seven years after the high-profile killings occurred.
The Additional District and Sessions Court found Atif Zaman guilty of both murders and imposed two capital punishments. Additionally, the court levied a fine of Rs1 million, ordering that the amount be equally distributed between the families of the victims. Should the fine remain unpaid, the convict will face an extended prison term.
Meanwhile, the court upheld perpetual arrest warrants against co-accused Adil Zaman, who has been declared a proclaimed offender after fleeing following the Supreme Court’s rejection of his bail application.
The case underwent a lengthy trial process during which the prosecution submitted forensic evidence, eyewitness accounts, and other relevant material. The verdict was reserved after the conclusion of final arguments and announced on Wednesday.
In a significant development, the murders of Murad Abbas and Khizar Hayat took place on July 9, 2019, in Karachi’s Defence Phase VI, Bukhari Commercial area. Investigations revealed that the killings were linked to a dispute over business dealings and investment issues between Murad Abbas and Atif Zaman.
Prosecutors stated that Atif Zaman opened fire on both victims before attempting to take his own life by shooting himself. Although he survived the suicide attempt, he was subsequently arrested and brought to trial.
