Latest news with #SindhHighCourt
Express Tribune
15 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Cop with Rs2.5m head money for fiancé's murder arrested
A policeman, who had allegedly shot dead his fiancé, a government primary school teacher, on April 7, was arrested in a police raid at the residence of a lawyer in Kambar-Shahdadkot district on Friday. The district's SSP Sajid Amir Saddozai told a press conference that Fareed Hasilo has been rounded up in a raid led by Sub Inspector Naek Muhammad Khoso of Hyderabad police. He was allegedly taking shelter in the house of a lawyer, Afzal Qadir Khoso, who has also been arrested along with his brother, police constable Ahmed Nawaz Khoso. They both have been booked in a separate FIR lodged on the police complaint with charges of providing shelter to a murder accused carrying head money of Rs2.5 million and for obstructing the police duty. The Sindh High Court had taken notice of the cold-blooded murder of Sadaf Hasilo in Kambar when she was travelling towards Larkana in a van. Fareed allegedly tried to pull her out of the vehicle but she resisted due to which he gunned her down.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Korangi Road cattle market licence cancelled
The commissioner Karachi has cancelled the licence of a cattle market, established legally on Korangi Road, in compliance with the court orders. The decision causing significant concern among traders. The administration of the cattle market announced they would challenge the decision in Sindh High Court (SHC) on Thursday. They have appealed to the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court to resolve the matter. According to Korangi Cattle Market Administrator, Sardar Sohail, the market's licence was properly obtained through an official auction process under the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation. A payment of Rs7 million was made to KMC through a bid process to secure the permission. Commissioner Karachi had originally issued the market's operating licence on May 9 after all legal requirements were fulfilled based on reports from relevant authorities including KMC, the deputy commissioner of Korangi, police and other departments. Korangi Road cattle market spans ten acres of land and currently hosts more than 250 traders and cattle farmers who have set up stalls to sell their livestock. The market contains approximately 4,000 large and small animals and has developed into a temporary settlement complete with food stalls, online banking facilities, parking and other necessary facilities. In addition to local traders, more than 250 sellers from Punjab and various parts of Sindh have brought their animals to sell in the market, which supports the livelihoods of a number of families. Traders have expressed deep concern following the sudden cancellation of market's licence by the commissioner's office, which cited court orders as the reason for revocation. They are now facing uncertainty about where to relocate their businesses and decided to approach the court on Thursday for resolution. The market has been serving residents of Korangi, Landhi, Defence, Mahmoodabad, Qayyumabad and surrounding areas, providing convenient access to buy sacrificial animals. Current prices start at Rs40,000 for goats and 150,000 for cows, making it an accessible option for middle-class buyers. Meanwhile, the commissioner's office has approved a total of 14 cattle markets across Karachi this year. While citizens have been visiting the markets to purchase animals for Eidul Azha, many are finding the prices exorbitantly high.
Express Tribune
7 days ago
- Express Tribune
Police on notice over 'assault' on student by hospital staff
The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Saturday summoned records from relevant authorities while hearing a petition challenging the appointment of Syed Mustafa Hassan as the administrator of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD). The petitioner's counsel argued that Hassan, originally appointed as an assistant engineer (Grade 11) based on a mechanical diploma, was unlawfully promoted to Grade 18 without due process. The lawyer contended that Hassan's initial appointment lacked transparency as no advertisement was published, and no proper selection procedure was followed. Hassan's primary responsibilities reportedly included maintenance of air conditioners and lifts, yet he was allegedly favoured with rapid promotions — first to Grade 16 and later to Grade 18 — before being appointed as NICVD administrator. After hearing the petition, the SHC issued notices to relevant authorities directing them to furnish records of the appointment. Meanwhile, the additional and sessions judge for District South has issued notices to police officials on a petition filed by a female student alleging assault at the cardio hospital. The petitioner, Atiya Tariq, claimed in her plea that she was assaulted by hospital staff after she attempted to record an incident in which her mother was denied treatment. According to the petitioner, a security guard verbally abused her, after which four men and a woman forcibly confined her to a room, physically assaulted her, and stole Rs50,000 from her purse. The petitioner further stated that she could identify the perpetrators but that police refused to register an FIR.
IOL News
19-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Honour killings in Pakistan: Court demands urgent action against growing violence
File photo In a strongly worded ruling, Justice Nisar Ahmed Bhanbhro said honour killings — a form of violence often committed under the guise of defending family honour — were rising at an alarming rate and must be stopped before they lead to "total anarchy." A Pakistani court has raised serious alarm over the growing number of honour killings in the country, calling the practice "uncivilised, barbaric, and abominable". The Sindh High Court (SHC) has urged the state to take immediate and firm action against those responsible, warning that failure to act could push society towards chaos. In a strongly worded ruling, Justice Nisar Ahmed Bhanbhro said honour killings — a form of violence often committed under the guise of defending family honour — were rising at an alarming rate and must be stopped before they lead to "total anarchy." The judge said the killing of women based on suspicion or false accusations has stained society, especially as many victims are denied the chance to defend themselves. The SHC made these observations while rejecting the appeal of Ghulam Mustafa, who had been sentenced to life in prison for murdering his wife in the name of honour in Kashmore in April 2023. The court not only upheld his life sentence but also added 14 years under Section 311 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), classifying the offence as ''Fasad fil Arz'' —a concept in Islamic law referring to acts that spread corruption or mischief in society. The court highlighted that honour killings are often based on flimsy allegations, particularly accusations of illicit relationships, and are frequently used to settle personal disputes or family feuds. 'In many cases, women are killed to target a rival man, and then a local jirga or community meeting gives a pardon to the killer under the excuse of defending family honour,' the judge noted. Justice Bhanbhro stressed that Islamic teachings do not support such killings. 'No school of Islamic thought allows citizens to take the law into their own hands,' he said, adding that the state must protect every citizen's life and liberty and to punish those who violate the law. Pakistan continues to face a significant challenge in curbing honour-based violence. Despite the passage of stricter laws in recent years, including the 2016 Criminal Law (Amendment) Act aimed at closing legal loopholes, implementation has been weak. Many cases go unreported, and social pressures often prevent victims' families from seeking justice. Activists say that honour killings are deeply rooted in patriarchal traditions and a lack of legal accountability. 'Until communities stop seeing honour as something that justifies murder, and until the legal system ensures real punishment, these crimes will continue,' said a Karachi-based human rights advocate. The court emphasised that karo-kari — the local term for honour killings—is not just a cultural issue but a criminal offence. Importantly, the SHC ruled that such cases cannot be settled or pardoned by the family of the victim, particularly when they fall under the category of ''Fasad fil Arz''. 'These crimes affect not only individuals but the entire society,' the court stated. The SHC ruling is seen as a major step in acknowledging the seriousness of honour-based violence and pushing for stronger enforcement of laws. It also serves as a reminder of the broader social and legal challenges Pakistan faces in protecting vulnerable communities, especially women. With courts taking a firmer stance, many hope this could signal a turning point. But without consistent action from law enforcement, lawmakers, and community leaders, the path to eliminating honour killings remains long and uncertain.
Express Tribune
15-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
SBCA withdraws Karachi order allowing commercial use of residential plots
Listen to article The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has withdrawn its notification permitting commercial activities on residential plots. A written statement confirming the withdrawal was submitted to the Sindh High Court by SBCA Director General Muhammad Ishaq Khuhro. The High Court was hearing petitions filed against SBCA's move to allow commercial use of residential plots. In its written response, SBCA stated that it was rescinding the notification issued on March 13, 2025. Following this, the court disposed of petitions filed by Jamaat-e-Islami and others. The petitions, submitted by City Council Opposition Leader Saifuddin Advocate and nine town chairpersons, argued that SBCA had amended the Karachi Building and Town Planning Regulations to change the definition of amenity plots. They contended that amenity plots cannot legally be used for purposes other than their original intent. The petitioners further claimed that the amendment removed 'healthcare' from the list of approved uses for amenity plots and that residential land was being repurposed for education, healthcare, and recreational use without public consent. They argued that the revision also eliminated the public's right to object to land transfers. Separately, SBCA has revoked the recent amendments made to the 2002 Karachi Building and Town Planning Regulations. This reversal followed a policy review of the changes introduced through the March notification. According to the latest SBCA circular, the amendments have been annulled with immediate effect. The authority exercised its powers under Section 21-A of the Sindh Building Control Ordinance, 1979, and other relevant provisions. The circular was officially signed by Director General Muhammad Ishaq Khuhro.
