Anchor Mureed Abbas Case: Convict Atif Zaman Sentenced to Death on Two Counts
KARACHI (Web Desk) — An Additional District and Sessions Court in Karachi has delivered its landmark verdict in the high-profile double murder case of prominent TV anchor Mureed Abbas and Khizer Hayat, sentencing the prime convict, Atif Zaman, to death on two counts. The court has also directed the convict to pay PKR 1 million in compensation to the legal heirs of the victims.
The verdict was reserved on July 4, 2026, following the conclusion of extensive arguments from both sides, and was officially announced today, July 9, 2026—marking exactly seven years since the brutal targeted killings took place in Karachi.
Long-Awaited Justice and Legal Breakthrough against Absconding Co-Accused
The trial, which spanned seven arduous years, culminated after rigorous legal battles. Key operational breakthroughs and findings presented during the proceedings include:
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Maximum Penalty for Prime Convict: Atif Zaman, who remained behind bars throughout the concluding phase of the trial, received double capital punishment after forensic evidence established his direct execution of the crime.
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Co-Accused Declared Proclaimed Offender: The convict’s brother and co-accused, Adil Zaman, fled the jurisdiction immediately after the Supreme Court of Pakistan rejected his bail plea. The trial court has formally declared him an absconder.
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Robust Prosecution by Jibran Nasir: Renowned human rights lawyer and advocate Jibran Nasir represented the complainants and families of the deceased, successfully defending the case by presenting bullet-proof eyewitness testimonies and digital forensics.
The tragic incident dates back to July 9, 2019, when a corporate financial dispute and a fraudulent investment scam led to a physical altercation in the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) area of Karachi. Atif Zaman open-fired on TV anchor Mureed Abbas and his associate Khizer Hayat, killing them on the spot. Today’s judicial outcome marks a vital milestone in providing closure to the victims’ grieving families.