Karachi Court Awards Death Sentence to Atif Zaman in Mureed Abbas Double Murder Case

Nearly Seven Years After the 2019 Killings, the Main Convict Receives Capital Punishment While Absconding Co-Accused Faces Permanent Arrest Warrants

Staff Report

KARACHI:  A Karachi sessions court has sentenced Atif Zaman to death for the 2019 murders of television anchor Mureed Abbas and his friend Khizer Hayat, bringing a major legal development in a case that drew nationwide attention.

The Additional District and Sessions Court announced the verdict on Thursday after years of legal proceedings, holding Atif Zaman guilty on two counts of murder. The court also ordered him to pay Rs500,000 in compensation to the family of each victim.

Seven-Year Prison Term in Illegal Weapons Case

Alongside the death sentence, the court handed Atif Zaman an additional seven-year prison sentence and imposed a Rs50,000 fine for possessing an illegal firearm used in the crime.

Permanent Warrants Issued for Co-Accused

The court also issued permanent arrest warrants for co-accused Adil Zaman, who remains at large. According to prosecutors, Adil absconded after the Supreme Court dismissed his bail plea, and he had previously been declared a proclaimed offender by the trial court.

Background of the 2019 Murders

The incident took place on July 9, 2019, in Karachi's Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Phase VI, Bukhari Commercial Area. Investigators said the killings stemmed from a financial dispute between Atif Zaman and Mureed Abbas. According to the prosecution, Abbas had been invited to Atif's office after being told that part of an outstanding debt would be repaid.

Soon after arriving, Abbas was allegedly shot inside the office. His friend, Khizer Hayat, was also fatally shot outside the building while the suspect attempted to flee. Abbas was rushed to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), where doctors pronounced him dead.

CCTV Footage Played a Key Role

Surveillance footage presented during the investigation reportedly showed Atif Zaman entering the building with his brother, Adil Zaman. Prosecutors stated that Adil was carrying a weapon while accompanying the main accused.

The footage also captured the moments following the shooting, including people rushing to help the injured victims as police arrived at the scene.

Legal Journey of the Case

The murder case was initially heard by an anti-terrorism court. However, in October 2019, it was transferred to a sessions court after the ATC ruled that the case did not fall under anti-terrorism laws.

Following an extensive trial lasting nearly seven years, the sessions court delivered its final verdict, convicting Atif Zaman of the double murder and related weapons offence.