The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday acquitted Shahrukh Jatoi in the Shahzeb Khan murder case along with other accused persons, leading to public outrage over social media.
Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan headed presided over the hearing. During the hearing, Jatoi’s counsel lawyer Latif Khosa argued that “the parties have already reached an agreement.” He added, “The accused had no intention of spreading terror, the murder event was presented as a case of terrorism”.
The 2012 murder case
Shahzeb Khan, the 20-year-old son of former deputy superintendent of police Aurangzeb Khan, was gunned down in DHA Karachi on the night of December 24, 2012.
Shahzeb had returned home from a wedding with his family when an employee of Shahrukh Jatoi verbally harassed his sister. He confronted the accused and demanded an apology. The accused, however, were remorseless and refused to apologise for the behaviour of their employee. The issue was apparently resolved when Shahzeb’s father intervened and tried to pacify both his son and the other party.
Court proceedings on the case in 2013
Soon after, Shahzeb left his house in his car and was on Saba Avenue when the accused chased him down and shot him dead in public.
Earlier in 2013, an anti-terrorism court awarded the death penalty to Shahrukh and Siraj Talpur, while Sajjad Talpur and Ghulam Murtaza Lashari were given life imprisonment. As he had walked out of the court after the verdict was announced, Shahrukh Jatoi had posed with victory signs for the countless cameras trained on him.
Social media outrage following court’s recent decision
A widespread public outcry broke out soon after the court’s decision came out. Celebrities and netizens alike took to social media to express shock, disgust and disappointment at the judgement.
What a travesty of justice.
Shahrukh Jatoi murdered Shahzeb Khan who was trying to protect his sister. Shot him multiple times to ensure he is dead. For 10 years the case was dragged while Shahrukh was protected & lived a lavish life. Today he walks free.
Congratulations to all https://t.co/bLKICl8vUF
— اسریٰ (@freakonomist5) October 18, 2022
A few thoughts on Shahrukh Jatoi #ShahrukhJatoi who murdered #ShahzedKhan in cold blood on a cool winter night in 2012 …a thread pic.twitter.com/OSxVuv0xXA
— Saad Hasan (@MSaadHasan) October 18, 2022
In this country all we can do is feel sorry for the oppressed. May Allah give patience & strength to Shahzeb’s Family who have to witness this injustice.
They’re one of us..
We’re nothing without power. Nothing!!! #ShahrukhJatoi #shahrukhjatoimurdercase— MAWRA HOCANE (Hussain) (@MawraHocane) October 18, 2022
Shahrukh Jatoi’ acquittal proves that it is almost impossible to convict the elite in Pakistan. Who’s next now? Zahir Jaffar? Shahnawaz Amir?
— Maria Memon (@Maria_Memon) October 18, 2022
Time to pack up and leave. For those of you who are young, educated and determined please, for the sake of your children, move out if the opportunity arises. https://t.co/OE2FIBzcQv
— Haroon Shahid (@Haroon_5hahid) October 18, 2022
