ATC reserves verdict in Sidra murder case

The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Monday reserved its decision on a police request seeking the re-arrest and fresh investigation of 10 suspects in the alleged honour killing of 17-year-old Sidra Bibi, who had married a man of her choice after divorce. ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah heard the police application seeking permission to arrest the suspects under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) and conduct a fresh investigation. The court will announce its decision on October 7. All 10 suspects appeared in court, including Muslim League leader and jirga chairman Asmatullah, who is accused of ordering the alleged honour killing, as well as the victim's father, brother, first husband, a graveyard record keeper, a loader driver and others. The suspects appearing before the court included Ajmal Khan, Ziaur Rehman, Khial Mohammad, Mohammad Sohail, Abdus Salam, Sanaullah, Arab Gul, Gul Badshah, Amir Khan and Sikandar. The investigation team told the court that the case involved a serious and sensitive offence and that terrorism provisions had been added to the case on the recommendation of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT). The investigators said the case would now be investigated afresh under the Anti-Terrorism Act.