ISLAMABAD:The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday observed that 24 years of imprisonment is insufficient punishment in a case involving the murder of a father (by his son), stressing the need to establish clear legal principles in such matters.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Hashim Kakar heard the case concerning remission of sentence for a son convicted of killing his father.
During the hearing, counsel for the convict informed the court that a reconciliation had been reached in the case and a report to that effect had already been submitted. He further stated that his client has spent the last 14 years in prison.
At this, Justice Kakar remarked that even 24 years of imprisonment would be inadequate for someone who murders his father, adding that the court must develop a firm and principled approach for dealing with such cases.
Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim observed that while forgiveness was permissible under the principles of Qisas and Diyat, an accused in such grave offence could not be granted complete acquittal or a clean slate, particularly when the victim was the father.
The court emphasized that a guiding and significant judgment was necessary to address such cases. Justice Kakar stated that the verdict would be announced on April 8, adding that it would carry exceptional importance.