SHC acquits Anees Khaskheli in Naila Rind case

The Sindh High Court’s circuit bench has announced its reserved verdict in the Naila Rind case and acquitted Anees Ahmed Khaskheli of all charges.

A 26-page judgment was issued by a bench comprising Justice Umar Sial and Justice Muhammad Abdul Rehman.

The court overturned the decision of the trial court and ordered the release of the accused. It directed that Anees Ahmed Khaskheli be freed immediately if he is not wanted in any other case.

In its ruling, the high court stated that the prosecution failed to prove any offence against the accused under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The court also noted that no evidence was presented regarding allegations that the accused had threatened or pressured anyone.

The judgment further stated that no proof of any illegal activity by Anees Ahmed Khaskheli was found during the proceedings.

Earlier, an Anti-Terrorism Court had sentenced Anees Ahmed Khaskheli to life imprisonment on January 30, 2023. The trial court had also imposed a fine and punishment under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

According to police, the body of Sindh University student Naila Rind was found hanging in her hostel room on January 1, 2017. Anees Ahmed Khaskheli, a former student of the university and a nominated suspect in the case, was arrested five days after the incident.