RAWALPINDI – A local court in Rawalpindi, the twin city of Pakistan’s federal capital, has acquitted popular TV actress Atiqa Odho of a liquor case nine years later.
Rawalpindi local court judge Yasir Chaudhry said that no evidence was found against the accused in the case regarding the export of liquor, so he was acquitted due to lack of evidence.
after the verdict, Atiqa Odho said that nine years were painful but today I am happy that justice was done.
“Everyone knows that the case against me nine years ago was politically motivated. I was sure that one day this court would give me justice and today the court of Pakistan has given me justice and I thank it.
“I have had to appear in court about 100 times in these nine years,” she added. The case was heard more than 190 times. During this period, 12 judges were replaced. Then a few years ago I got the relief that I was told that you don’t have to appear in court every time. But when I was called, I used to come to Rawalpindi Court from Karachi because I respect the law.
Atiqa said she applied for acquittal three times in nine years, but was denied twice.
Atiqa also said that the case affected her career and she went through a lot of emotional and mental hardships and problems during this period.
Atiqa says the case is a hope for people, especially for young girls, who should not be afraid. At the end of her talk, Atiqa said that if you are innocent, you should stand your ground and not be afraid of anyone.
“I don’t think there will be any more injustice with anyone and there is a lesson for the judiciary to learn in this case,” she said.
The case against Karachi-based TV artist Atiqa Odho was registered in 2011 when she was traveling from Karachi to Islamabad when Benazir Bhutto International Airlines flew from the federal capital. Two bottles of liquor were allegedly found in his luggage at the port.
When the case made headlines, then-Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry took cognizance of the matter and ordered the authorities to take legal action, which led to customs officials cracking down on the actress. An export case was registered.
