Farrukh Khokhar, a JUI-F leader and son of a prominent local figure, among three convicted in 2022 killing amid claims of political and business rivalry.
A court in Rawalpindi has sentenced three men, including local Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader Farrukh Khokhar, to life imprisonment for the 2022 murder of Majid Satti, a prominent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activist and transport union leader.
Additional District and Sessions Judge Afshan Ijaz Sufi delivered the verdict on Tuesday, convicting Khokhar along with co-accused Amir Hamza and Haidar Ali. Each was ordered to pay Rs1 million (approximately $3,600) in compensation to the victim’s legal heirs. A fourth accused, identified as Waseem, was acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
The convicted individuals, who were present in the courtroom, were immediately taken into custody and transferred to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
Case Background and Key Allegations:
Majid Satti was shot dead by unidentified assailants on or around August 23-24, 2022, near Sixth Road in Rawalpindi. The case was registered at Sadiqabad Police Station under murder provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Satti, affiliated with the PTI-the party led by former prime minister Imran Khan-was described by supporters as a vocal local activist. Investigations pointed to possible motives linked to business rivalries and land disputes, with Khokhar, often referred to in local media as a “notorious land grabber” and son of the late influential figure Taji Khokhar, emerging as the principal accused.
The case has drawn significant attention in Pakistan’s twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, highlighting the intersection of local power dynamics, political affiliations, and criminal allegations. Khokhar had previously faced multiple legal challenges, including bail proceedings that saw periods of arrest and release in the years following the murder.
Court Ends Years-Long Majid Satti Murder Trial:
The trial spanned several years, with the accused granted and later denied bail at various stages. In early 2023, the Lahore High Court Rawalpindi Bench rejected Khokhar’s pre-arrest bail, leading to his arrest at the time. Subsequent proceedings included post-arrest bail grants and further appeals.
Tuesday’s verdict marks a significant resolution in a case that has been closely watched by political observers in Punjab province. PTI supporters have long alleged political motivations behind the killing, while Khokhar’s defence maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.
No immediate reactions from the convicted parties or their legal teams were available following the sentencing. The victim’s family has not yet issued a public statement.
Pakistan continues to grapple with political violence and targeted killings, particularly in the lead-up to and following major national events. The murder of Satti occurred during a period of heightened tensions between the PTI and ruling coalitions, with accusations of political vendettas frequently surfacing in local disputes.
The sentencing comes as Pakistan’s judiciary faces scrutiny over handling high-profile cases involving politically connected individuals. Life imprisonment in Pakistan typically means a minimum of 15 years before parole eligibility, though appeals to higher courts are expected.