The Supreme Court on Monday acquitted Amjad Ali a death row convict giving him the benefit of doubt. The convict Amjad Ali was accused in killing of one Arshad Ali of Sheikhupura in 2006. A local trial court had awarded him a death sentence which was converted into life imprisonment.

A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Justice Asif Saeed Khan Khosa heard the case. Justice Khosa remarked that the court had disposed of death row appeals pending since 20 years and now it was hearing cases filed in 2014. The court after hearing arguments of counsels acquitted the accused

Meanwhile, a two-judge bench headed by Justice Umar Atta Badial disposed of a suo motu notice case pertaining to illegal appointments in Health Department Ghotki, Sindh and sought progress report regarding action taken against officers involved in appointments.

The court directed the authorities concerned to submit report with Registrar Office Supreme Court office within one month. The court disposed of the suo motu notice case for implementation on report of Sessions judges.

During the course of proceedings, Deputy Secretary Health Ibrahim Memon appeared before the court and informed that the provincial health ministry has implemented February 14, report. He said that Sessions judges in their report had termed 20 out of 36 appointments legal. Justice Gulzar Ahmad, a member of the bench, asked when these appointments and promotions were made.

Ibrahim said the former district government decided about these employees. He said the ministry had asked the accounts departments for adjustment of salary. On which, Justice Gulzar remarked that the court would not hear cases individually and asked the other employees to approach the appropriate forum to redress their grievances.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017