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Noor Zaman V. The State,

YLR 2018 1702 · Balochistan High Court

This case is about the murder of Gul Zaman, who was allegedly shot dead by his brother Noor Zaman following a property dispute. According to the prosecution, the accused came to the family's house at night, took the victim outside, and fired several shots that proved fatal. He was arrested after being a fugitive for some time. The trial court convicted him under Section 302(b) of the Pakistan Penal Code and sentenced him to death, along with a fine payable to the victim's heirs.

The case had a complicated procedural history: an earlier appeal led to the case being sent back to the trial court for witnesses to be re-examined, and after a further judgment, the Supreme Court sent the matter back to the Balochistan High Court to decide the appeal on its merits.

The High Court examined the evidence, including eyewitness accounts from family members present at the scene and medical evidence, and found them consistent and credible. The court held that testimony from relatives should not be automatically disregarded simply because of their relationship to the victim. It also ruled that lack of a strong motive does not undermine a conviction if eyewitness evidence is solid, and that a lengthy trial or time spent on death row is not sufficient reason to reduce a death sentence. The court ultimately dismissed the appeal and upheld the conviction and death sentence, reinforcing that death is the standard punishment for murder unless clear reasons justify leniency.

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