In a significant development, the Dadu District Court on Monday acquitted all eight accused, including two Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MPAs, in the high-profile triple-murder case of Advocate Umme Rubab Chandio’s family. The victims—her father Mukhtiar Chandio, grandfather Raees Karamullah Chandio, and uncle Kamil Chandio—were gunned down in broad daylight in Ahmed Colony, Mehar Taluka, on January 17, 2018.
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The trial, which spanned over eight years and 392 hearings, ended with Additional Sessions Judge Hussain Kalor ruling that there was insufficient evidence to prove the charges against the accused, including Sardar Ahmed Khan Chandio and Burhan Khan Chandio, ordering their immediate release.
Ahead of the verdict, stringent security measures were enforced, with 30 station house officers, six deputy superintendents, and 589 police personnel deployed. Roads within a two-kilometre radius of the courthouse were closed to ensure law and order.
Reacting to the acquittal, Umme Rubab expressed her determination to pursue justice, stating, “My spirits are high. The world is shocked that the feudal lords in Sindh are granted a licence to commit murder. I will challenge the verdict in the High Court.” Her lawyer, Salahuddin Panhwar, confirmed that an appeal would be filed in the Sindh High Court against the decision.
The verdict drew sharp criticism from Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, who called it a demonstration of the justice system’s subservience to powerful feudal lords. He lauded Rubab for her “relentless fight for justice” and urged political parties and human rights organisations to support her pursuit.
