(Image Source: The Express Tribune)

BY ADNAN KHAN

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In a rare move, a Pakistani court has ruled against the military, sentencing a paramilitary soldier to death for the brutal killing of a civilian. Euronews has the details.

“The incident which took place in Karachi was captured on video. Its broadcast shocked the nation, just days after the Pakistani army’s image had been tarnished by the discovery of Osama bin Laden living in the heart of a military town and the spectacular Taliban attack on a supposedly impregnable naval base.”

The BBC says security forces in Pakistan have a lot of support and this case is far from over.

“Pakistan is a country where the security forces enjoy huge powers. But Karachi’s top security officials were sacked after the shocking pictures came to light. ... Human rights organizations say its common behavior for law enforcers to protect the police in situations such as this case. They are now demanding checks to stop such abuses in the future.”

Pakistan’s Express Tribune says this unprecedented amount of power even extended into the courtroom.

“The prosecution did not even bother to have the main accused man identified at trial as none of the witnesses pointed to him as the person who fired at Sarfraz Shah.”

The accused was sentenced to death and fined 2300 U.S. dollars for the victim’s family. The remaining officers were fined $1100 and sentenced to life imprisonment. The prosecution told Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper, such harsh punishment was necessary because the incident shattered the nation’s sense of security.

“This kind of perception in general public clearly indicates that because of the incident society was under shock and fear.”

But a writer for the Daily Mail wonders if the sentence will even be carried out.

“Although Pakistan has the death penalty, it rarely carries out the punishment.
Life sentences also are usually just 15 years and an appeal against the verdict is likely to be made.”

Finally, Express 24/7 says the verdict still provides some solace for the family of the victim.

“Safaraz’s brother Salik Shah thanked the Chief Justice for taking suo motu notice of the incident and urged the High Court to uphold the Anti-Terrorism courts verdict, if and when the convicts approach it.”

Transcript by Newsy.