Judge in Peshawar awards death in Hayatabad blasphemy case

Additional sessions judge Rafiullah held the case proved under Section 295-C; the death sentence now goes to Peshawar High Court for confirmation.

A Peshawar additional sessions court sentenced an Afghan national to death and a Rs100,000 fine under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Judge Rafiullah said the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt; the death sentence needs Peshawar High Court confirmation.

The FIR was registered at Hayatabad police station on 5 August 2022 after an incident at Phase-III Flyover, Hayatabad.

A legal-aid lawyer was appointed after no private counsel would take the case; the defence disputed witness presence and gaps in the FIR.

The court cited a 1991 Federal Shariat Court ruling that contempt of any prophet attracts the death penalty under Section 295-C.

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