SC acquits convict in firing case, sets aside life imprisonment sentence

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th May, 2026) The Supreme Court of Pakistan has acquitted convict Raja Basit in a case relating to a deadly firing incident between two groups during a condolence gathering, setting aside his life imprisonment sentence.

A three-member bench headed by Justice Hashim Khan Kakar heard the case on Thursday. During the hearing, the court extensively discussed various aspects of the incident, including how the firing started and the plea of self-defence raised by the accused.

Counsel for the defence argued that a gunman had opened fire first during the Fateha gathering and that firing from the other side was carried out in self-defence. During the proceedings, Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim remarked that the justification of crossfire had now become a discredited formula.

Justice Hashim Khan Kakar questioned why the gunman had resorted to firing and asked whether he had been trying to protect someone. He observed that such incidents were alarming for society.

The judge further remarked that firing incidents had become increasingly common in certain areas, but the situation in the present case appeared more serious.

He observed that while in Balochistan one person might be killed in such incidents, entire families were affected in this case.

During the hearing, the court was informed that the firing had started from the gunman’s side and that more than 150 bullets had reportedly been fired during the clash.

The court observed that if one party was attending a condolence gathering, the other side should also have exercised restraint. Justice Hashim Khan Kakar remarked that a slap could not be answered with gunfire.

Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim also observed that although the right of self-defence existed, the present case involved excessive provocation.

Subsequently, the apex court allowed the appeal, set aside the life imprisonment sentence awarded to Raja Basit and acquitted him in the case.

The incident had occurred during a Fateha gathering due to personal enmity, in which three people lost their lives in the exchange of fire.