LAHORE : The Lahore High Court has overturned the conviction of Jamroz Khan, who had been sentenced to life imprisonment for allegedly murdering his wife, citing insufficient evidence and procedural gaps in the prosecution’s case.
Justice Amjad Rafiq set aside the 2023 verdict nearly five years after the incident occurred in Sheikhupura, issuing a detailed 10-page judgment in response to Khan’s appeal. The court ruled that the prosecution failed to establish the murder beyond reasonable doubt, and highlighted the possibility of suicide based on medical findings.
The judgment referenced global research published by The New York Times, which noted a rising trend in firearm-related suicides among women — a pattern the court suggested may be quietly emerging in Pakistan as well.
According to the FIR, Khan had married Halima Bibi as his second wife. Both spouses lived under one roof and were said to have frequent disputes. The FIR alleged that after Halima left the household, Khan attempted reconciliation, and upon her refusal, shot her in anger. However, the court found no supporting evidence for this narrative.
Key observations from the court included:
- No eyewitnesses to the incident
- The accused did not attempt to flee
- Khan personally transported the injured wife to the hospital
- A significant delay in reporting the incident to police
Medical reports indicated a gunshot wound to the head, consistent with suicide, and the court emphasized that the burden of proof rested with the prosecution to establish homicide — a burden it failed to meet.
Khan had been charged under multiple sections, including murder, and was sentenced to life imprisonment along with a fine of one million rupees by a sessions court in 2023. With the appeal accepted, the High Court has now acquitted him of all charges.
