Sarah Inam Murder Case: Shahnawaz Amir Given Death Sentence

An Islamabad trial court handed down a death sentence to Shahnawaz Amir on Thursday for the murder of Sarah Inam, accompanied by a fine of Rs1 million, payable to the victim’s family.

District and Sessions Judge Nasir Javed Rana, who delivered the reserved verdict almost a year after the tragic incident, also acquitted Shahnawaz’s mother, Samina Shah, who was co-accused in the case.

The emotional announcement took place in a packed courtroom, with Sarah’s parents and Shaukhat Mukaddam, the father of another victim of gender-based violence, Noor Mukadam, in attendance.

Sarah, a Canadian national, was murdered by her husband, Shahnawaz, the son of journalist Ayaz Amir, just a day after her arrival in Islamabad from Dubai, where she had been working.

Also Read: Noor Mukadam murder case: IHC verdicts double death sentence to Zahir Jaffer

Shahnawaz was arrested in September the previous year at a farmhouse in Islamabad’s Shahzad Town. His father was discharged from the case, and his mother, Sameena Shah, was granted post-arrest bail in November. Both were indicted in December.

The victim’s father, Inaumur Rahim, expressed satisfaction with Shahnawaz’s sentence but called for accountability for Samina Shah, suspecting her involvement in the murder.

Case History:

Rahim, speaking to the media, emphasized the need for Samina’s punishment, stating that there were three individuals present at the farmhouse on the night of the murder—Sarah, Shahnawaz, and his mother.

Expressing uncertainty about the events leading to the tragedy, Rahim urged the Chief Justice to take notice of the pending Noor Mukadam case in the Supreme Court.

Previously: Noor Mukadam, Sarah Inam’s Fathers Urges Supreme Court For Swift Justice

Despite lamenting the delays in the case proceedings, Rahim acknowledged the punishment given to Shahnawaz but underscored the importance of holding all responsible parties accountable.

The police initially filed a murder FIR, with later additions of abetment charges against Shahnawaz’s parents, following allegations by Sarah’s uncle.

The investigation revealed Shahnawaz’s confession to the crime, and the court, after multiple delays, issued the death sentence and fine against him.