In a significant development, the Shariah Bench of the Peshawar High Court today acquitted three individuals arrested on charges of killing a couple during a robbery in Abbottabad. This decision concludes a high-profile case that lasted six years, with two suspects still at large and trials for two others ongoing.
The incident occurred on the night of 26 June 2020 in the village of Menal Diwal, Tehsil Havelian, where Muhammad Zaman and his wife were murdered after intruders broke into their home. Initially, police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against unidentified assailants. After further investigation, a second FIR was registered, implicating seven individuals.
In November 2024, the Havelian Sessions Court sentenced the accused based on the testimony of 22 witnesses under Section 302/34 of the Pakistan Penal Code and Section 17/4 of Harabah. This decision was later challenged in the Peshawar High Court, which subsequently transferred the case to the Shariah Court Peshawar Registry on 3 June 2025.
The judicial proceedings included renowned legal representation, with lawyers Fazal Haq Abbasi and Wajih-ur-Rehman defending the accused, while Atif Khan Jadoon represented the plaintiff. Arguments from both sides concluded on 7 April 2026.
On 19 May 2026, the court announced its verdict, acquitting Rashid, son of Younis, Javed, son of Khan Bahadur, and Asad, son of Luqman with honor. Meanwhile, two suspects remain at large, and trials for the remaining two are still ongoing. This decision marks a significant turning point in a case that has garnered public attention for years.