Actor Haroon Shahid is upset with the Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan’s decision to acquit Shahrukh Jatoi in the Shahzeb Khan murder case. There is a widespread public outcry following the decision as celebrities and netizens alike expressed their shock and disgust at the court’s judgment on social media.
Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan presided over Shahrukh Jatoi’s hearing of at the SC on Tuesday. Jatoi’s lawyer, Latif Khosa, stated that the parties have reached an agreement and that “the accused had no intention of spreading terror” as the murder event was presented as a case of terrorism. As a result, the SC acquitted Jatoi and the other accused persons in the Shahzeb Khan murder case.
Disgusted by the court’s decision, actor Haroon Shahid tweeted,
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.
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
Shahzeb's parents apparently settled abroad after the incident but today I worry for the safety and well being of all the people who testified against this monster. Will the honorable judges and police provide and guarantee them safety and protection?
— Haroon Shahid (@Haroon_5hahid) October 18, 2022
Even actress Mawra Hocane was shocked by the court’s decision.
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 HUSSAIN (@MawraHocane) October 18, 2022
Here are a few more public reactions.
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
— Alif (@vanillasky458) 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
The Case
Shahzeb Khan was the 20-year-old son of a former Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Aurangzeb Khan. On the night of 24 December 2012, Shahzeb was returning home from a wedding with his family when an employee of Shahrukh Jatoi harassed his sister, which resulted in a fight between them.
Although Shahzeb’s father intervened to end the scuffle, Shahrukh Jatoi and his friend tracked Shahzeb down the next day and shot him dead in public.
Court Proceedings
Since Shahrukh Jatoi is from an influential feudal family, the lack of police action in apprehending Shahzeb’s killers sparked nationwide outrage.
On 7 June 2013, Jatoi was sentenced to death while the other accused were given life sentences. However, the culprits were pardoned by the Sindh High Court in September 2013 when Shahzeb’s parents filed an affidavit to release the accused individuals on 23 December 2017.
The case was reopened by the orders of the SC on 1 February 2018.
Haroon Shahid is a popular musician and actor. He is best known for his roles in TV serials such as Do Bol, Qayamat, Muqaddar, Amanat, Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay, and Aakhir Kab Tak. The actor is always active on social media, discussing his thoughts on various social issues.
The Supreme Court’s decision on Tuesday is another example of injustice as people continue to protest online against the abuse of power by the wealthy in Pakistan. What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
