ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Supreme Court of Pakistan has acquitted two individuals who were sentenced to life imprisonment in a drug-related case, citing serious lapses in the investigation process.
A three-member bench, led by Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel, issued the written verdict, stating that allowing the complainant police officer to act as the investigating officer violated fundamental principles of justice.
The court emphasized that a dual role of complainant and investigator undermined impartiality, as complainants are naturally inclined to prove their allegations, making an unbiased investigation nearly impossible.
The verdict further noted that a complainant acting as the investigating officer can only seek evidence to support their own claims, which is detrimental to fair justice.
The court stated that solid reasons must be provided if a complainant is appointed as an investigating officer; otherwise, the prosecution’s case becomes weak.
Highlighting constitutional protections, the apex court underscored that investigations must be transparent, impartial, and in accordance with the law.
Under Article 10A, every accused has a right to a fair trial. The court raised serious concerns regarding investigative procedures, evidence handling, and forensic processes.
The judgment pointed out that signatures on recovered parcels were unclear, the prosecution could not prove that the evidence presented in court matched what was seized, and the chain of custody and lab transfers were questionable.
The apex court also reaffirmed the principle that any reasonable doubt must benefit the accused, criticizing the lower courts for failing to properly evaluate evidence. Consequently, the verdicts of the trial court and the high court were declared null and void.