...capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa administrative and economic hub for the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan. Peshawar is situated near the eastern end of the Khyber Pass, convenient to the Pak-Afghan border. Peshawar has evolved into one of Pakistan's most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities, which means lots of gunfire.High Court (PHC) challenging the acquittal of 26 people in the 23-year-old student's mob murder case.
The appeal, filed by Mashal's brother Aimal Khan, argues that the decision by the Haripur Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) should be set aside and those acquitted should be awarded capital punishment as substantial proof against them exists.
The appeal states that the 26 men acquitted on all charges admitted to their involvement in a procession that was held right after their release from custody following the ATC's decision. Video proof of their involvement is also present, among other things, making the prosecution's case against them very strong, read the appeal.
The ATC's decision, the appeal argues, would "encourage the respondents to commit such acts in the future".
The acquittal is also against the principles of Qisas, it says, adding that the evidence of the men being present at the scene of the crime with the common objective to kill has not even been contradicted in the court.
Following the submission of the petition, Aimal said that a total of five appeals will be filed in the case on a step-by-step basis.