Conviction rate in Sindh’s ATCs less than 20pc

There are 1,314 pending cases in 30 anti-terrorism courts of Sindh, with the conviction rate in various cases being less than 20 per cent, according to a report. This report was presented to the Supreme Court by the administrative judge of the anti-terrorism courts. The report revealed that Sindh has the highest number of pending cases in its anti-terrorism courts. According to the report, 30 courts have been established in the province to hear terrorism cases, with 20 of them located in Karachi. Currently, there are 1,314 pending terrorism cases in Sindh’s courts.

The report further disclosed that by the end of 2023, a total of 1,448 cases were pending across the province's courts. So far this year, 975 cases have been decided, with 787 accused acquitted due to lack of evidence. The report also highlighted that ATCs have decided six bomb blast cases this year, with all accused in these case having been acquitted. Additionally, 79 murder cases have been decided, but the prosecution was only able to prove charges in 23 cases. Furthermore, 92 kidnapping for ransom cases were decided, with sentences handed down in only five cases.