LAHORE - The Lahore High Court Monday suspended death warrants of a death row convict after the family of deceased pardoned the killer. Niaz Ahmed was scheduled to be hanged today.
A two-judge bench of the LHC headed by Justice Mahmood Maqbool Bajwa stayed the death warrants on application of convict’s brother.
During the hearing, the counsel of the petitioner told the judge that a Mandi Bahaudin court had awarded death sentence to Niaz for killing Mazhar Iqbal. He added the Supreme Court had also dismissed the appeal while Punjab Home Department had issued his death warrants for Oct 13.
The court was informed that the legal heirs of the deceased had forgiven the killer after both the parties reached a compromise. He also submitted documentary proofs before the court. The counsel added that his client had submitted the compromise before the trial court but the court was not considering it.
After hearing the arguments of the petitioner’s counsel, the bench stayed the death warrants till further order and directed the counsel to submit certified copies of the compromise before the court within two weeks.
Justice impossible without lawyers’ help: Lahore High Court Chief Justice Manzoor Ahmad Malik has said provision of justice to the masses is impossible without lawyers’ assistance.
Inaugurating a newly constructed judicial complex phase II on Monday, the chief justice said that foundation of lawyers’ chambers and parking areas would also be helpful in timely provision of justice. About 98 percent lawyers are professional but they should point out those who are corrupt and spoiling the profession, he stressed.
Senior LHC judges including Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and judges of the lower judiciary and senior lawyers were present there.
Justice Malik also appreciated the role of bars especially the LBA regarding the dispensation of justice.
FOUND DEAD: A 45-year-old man was discovered dead from Manawan police precincts yesterday.
Police said the man, unidentified so far, was lying dead near the Ring Road as they reached the spot. Some passersby spotted the body on yesterday morning and contacted the police.
Investigators said that apparently the man was drug addict. Further investigation was underway.