In a significant development, the Sindh High Court (SHC) has adjourned the hearing of appeals against the acquittal of police officers in the Murtaza Bhutto murder case for four weeks.
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Junior, the son of the late Murtaza Bhutto, was present at the high court to attend the hearing of the murder case. The courtroom saw the attendance of key figures, including former DIG Shoaib Suddle, Rai Tahir, and other individuals accused in the incident, along with their legal representatives.
It is worth noting that former president Asif Ali Zardari has not made a party in the appeal. During the proceedings, Rai Tahir’s lawyer informed the court about the Supreme Court’s decision to defer the hearing of the Zulfikar Ali Bhutto presidential reference until after the elections. The lawyer argued that the Murtaza Bhutto murder case should also scheduled for a hearing post the polls.
Additionally, Wajid Durrani’s counsel highlighted his client’s health issues and requested a permanent exemption from the court hearing. The bench responded by issuing notices to relevant parties concerning Durrani’s plea and granting exemptions to accused police officer Rai Tahir and others from the ongoing hearing.
The legal representatives of the accused assured the court that their clients would comply with future hearing demands. Notably, the court received the death certificate of former police chief Karachi, Shahid Hayat, during the proceedings.
The case has adjourned for four weeks, and Justice Naimatullah Phulpoto emphasized that arguments would heard in the next hearing.
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Junior, addressing the media, expressed his concern over the brutal murder of eight individuals on September 20, 1996. He questioned the impunity granted to the accused and emphasized that justice was essential not only for his father but also for all those who lost their lives that night.
“How is it possible that no one held responsible for the murder of eight people?” he questioned, adding that the accused had rewarded with promotions and gifts. Zulfiqar Junior voiced hope for justice through the judicial system and mentioned their involvement in the Zulfikar Ali Bhutto reference. He also raised concerns about the democratic process and vowed to closely monitor the upcoming elections.
 has adjourned the hearing of appeals against the acquittal of police officers in the Murtaza Bhutto murder case for four weeks.){kind=link}