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LAWYERS warned yesterday that Pakistan could see the first execution of someone convicted of non-terrorist offences — in violation of the government’s own policy.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif lifted a moratorium on executions last year but has repeatedly stated that it applied only to “terrorism-related cases.”
However, unless a stay of execution is granted, Shoaib Sarwar will be hanged today, said legal charity Reprieve.
“The Pakistan government’s policy on executing only terrorists is in disarray,” said Reprieve death penalty team leader Maya Foa.
“If Shoaib is hanged tomorrow, Mr Sharif’s promise will not be worth the paper it’s printed on.
“Shoaib has already suffered an unfair trial and 17 years on death row.
“The Interior Ministry must stay his execution before it is too late.”
Mr Sarwar’s execution would be the first of someone not convicted of terrorism offences or in a specialist terrorism court since the moratorium was lifted in December.
