An anti-terrorism court in Karachi has sentenced a street criminal to a total of 23 years in prison and imposed a fine of Rs 200,000 for attempting to snatch mobile phones from two plainclothes police officers.
According to the report, the verdict was announced by the judge of Anti-Terrorism Court No. 15, located within the judicial complex of Karachi Central Jail. After hearing arguments from prosecutor Nasrullah Majeed and the defense counsel, the court found the accused, Allah Rakha, guilty on five different charges.
The convict was awarded seven years under Section 397 (attempted robbery with violence), five years each under charges of attempted murder, possession of illegal weapons, and terrorism, and one year for obstructing a public servant from performing his duty.
The court observed that “street crimes involving mobile phone and motorcycle snatching have risen sharply across the city, claiming the lives of numerous citizens and even police personnel.” The judgment added that strict punishments are necessary to deter such crimes and restore public confidence in the justice system.
The prosecution stated that on April 12, two police officers, Waqar and Umar Khan, were on their way to duty when two robbers intercepted them near the Iron Bridge on National Highway, Quaidabad, and attempted to snatch their mobile phones. The suspects opened fire when the officers resisted, injuring one of them. In retaliatory fire, one suspect, Allah Rakha, was shot in the shoulder and arrested, while his accomplice escaped.
The court noted that the investigation officer presented the accused’s prior criminal record, which reflected his habitual involvement in such offenses, although each case must be decided on its own merits and evidence.
