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The Supreme Court of Pakistan has reduced the death penalty of Muhammad Ameen, who was found guilty of killing his wife and daughter, to a life sentence, offering him significant relief in the case. As per the detailed written judgment approved for publication by the Supreme Court, the court partially overturned the rulings of the trial court and the high court, noting that executing the offender would effectively make his young daughter an orphan under state care.

The ruling, written by Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, mentioned that the offender’s 15-year-old daughter, Insa Ameen, is his sole remaining dependent. Hence, keeping the death penalty would not be suitable in this situation. The court explained that changing the death sentence to a life term did not mean forgiving the crime, but rather ensured that the government would not be responsible for a child being left without any support. The judgment also highlighted that according to international commitments, including pertinent United Nations agreements, the state must take into account the child’s best interests in such situations. It also pointed out that when the legal heir of a victim is the accused, the Qisas punishment could not be applied under Section 306 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

As per the court documents, Muhammad Ameen killed his wife and daughter in April 2021 in the Vehari district after a conflict regarding the sale of farmland. The day prior to the event, the offender had a disagreement with his wife and children about the land transaction.

The ruling mentions that the prisoner stabbed his wife 21 times and his daughter eight times using a knife, while another daughter was also harmed in the incident.

Previously, both the trial court and the high court had imposed the death penalty on the accused on two occasions, but the Supreme Court subsequently changed the sentence to life imprisonment.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).