The Shafqat case

This refers to the letter, ‘The Shafqat case’ (March 26) by Farid Nawaz. It seems the writer did not read facts of the entire case. Instead of arguing with law and logic, the writer confined himself to emotions as he wrote: “How about the unfortunate mother of the murdered child? Did she spend her time in supreme bliss?” Moreover, the writer stated the answer himself that in any case a medical board should help settle the matter. Age determination is a question of law under Section 7 of the Juvenile Justice Ordinance.
Why should Shafqat’s execution be stayed? Because he was a juvenile at the time of registration of the crime and therefore could not be tried in an anti-terrorism court. Section 4(3) of the ordinance vests juvenile courts with exclusive jurisdiction in such cases. The defence counsel provided by the state never raised the question of Shafqat’s age. The latter lacked financial resources to hire his own counsel. The findings of the conviction have been based on the retracted confession that is legally incomprehensible. These facts are meant to avoid any travesty of justice if committed with some innocent unless proven guilty. All voices raised in favour of Shafqat’s case to halt his execution are against the legal system that is replete with such loopholes.
Muhammad Yasir Kayani
Kasur