KARACHI: After 17 years, an anti-terrorism court has sentenced two men, including retired major Nawazish Akbar, to life imprisonment for the kidnapping of a businessman, Sher Bahadur, and extorting Rs16 million in ransom.
The court found Akbar and his accomplice, civilian Naveed Khan, guilty of abducting Bahadur in 2006. The victim was returning from the Malir court when the defendants, along with several others, intercepted his car. They demanded Rs7 million in cash and jewellery worth Rs9 million for his release. The court also imposed sentences for wrongful confinement, robbery, and additional life imprisonment under the Anti-Terrorism Act, ordering the forfeiture of the convicts’ property.
The case, filed one and a half years after the kidnapping, stemmed from a business dispute between the victim and Nawazish, who had been a business partner. Nawazish had allegedly embezzled funds, leading to a fallout. The victim testified that the kidnappers tortured him during his six-month captivity, attempting to force him into becoming a suicide bomber. Nawazish also transferred the victim’s company shares and assets without consent.
The court emphasized the delay in the legal process, citing the influence of Nawazish, a retired army officer, and the 17-18 year delay in filing charges. The victimβs testimony, supported by over 700 pages of documentary evidence, highlighted the severe financial and emotional toll endured during his captivity.
