Verdict Of Mashal Khan Murder Case Attracts Mixed Reactions From Pakistanis

0
373
Mashal Khan murder case verdict
Source: Express Tribune

Almost a year after the cold-blooded murder of Mashal Khan at the hands of a mob in Mardan University, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Haripur announced the verdict today.

Of the 61 accused in the First Information Report (FIR), 1 suspect was awarded death penalty while 5 others were sentenced to life imprisonment lasting 25 years.

Read: Here Is Why #PashtunLongMarch Has Been Trending On Twitter For Almost A Week Now!

Mashal Khan’s father while talking to BBC Urdu expressed his disappointment at the verdict. He said that 26 suspects named in the FIR had been acquitted despite visual evidence.

Read: Pakistanis Demand Action After The Video Of PML-N Senator Goes Viral

 The reaction from the rest of Pakistan has also been mixed. There are those who believe that a befitting verdict has been delivered that will serve as an example for mischief makers in the future.

https://twitter.com/Amir__Bashir/status/961195609637163009

At the same time, there are also many who believe that a much harsher verdict should have been given.

https://twitter.com/_Junalicious_/status/961195334809636864

There are also many who believe that justice can possibly never be served in Mashal Khan murder case.

perhaps in view of the negative reaction, the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has decided to file an appeal against those who were given a clean chit.

Mashal Khan murder case has propelled many Pakistanis to demand a law that effectively addresses incidents of mob violence. This is especially important since Mashal Khan’s lynching was not an isolated incident. Every year similar incidents of mob violence are reported, yet the country still does not have a law that would address this fatal concern.

At this hour, our thoughts and prayers are with Mahal Khan’s family. May they all be blessed with immense perseverance and strength. And may Pakistan never forget Mashal Khan.