KARACHI: After seven years of legal proceedings, the Additional District and Sessions Court has announced its verdict in the high-profile murder case of journalist Mureed Abbas and Khizar Hayat, sentencing convict Atif Zaman to two death penalties for his involvement in the killings.
The court also issued permanent arrest warrants for co-accused Adil Zaman, who remains absconding after fleeing following the rejection of his bail application.
According to the prosecution, journalist Mureed Abbas and Khizar Hayat were murdered on July 9, 2019, over a business dispute. The case was registered at Darakhshan Police Station in Karachi, where investigators pursued the matter through an extensive trial that culminated in Thursday’s judgment.
The court found Atif Zaman guilty of both murders, marking a major development in one of Pakistan’s most closely followed criminal cases involving a media professional.
The verdict concludes a lengthy judicial process that attracted widespread public and media attention, underscoring the importance of accountability, due process, and the rule of law in Pakistan’s criminal justice system.
The case has remained a significant reference point in discussions surrounding justice, business-related violence, and the protection of journalists, with the latest ruling bringing a decisive legal outcome after years of court proceedings.
