Balochistan High Court Sentences Ex-MPA Achakzai to 10 Years for Hit-and-Run

QUETTA: The Balochistan High Court has sentenced former Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) Abdul Majeed Achakzai to ten years in prison for his involvement in a hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of Traffic Sub-Inspector Haji Attaullah. The court’s decision was announced on Tuesday, overturning a previous acquittal by a local court.

A division bench, consisting of Justice Muhammad Amir Nawaz Rana and Justice Abdul Qayyum Lehr, ruled in favor of an appeal filed by the provincial government against Achakzai’s earlier exoneration. The court found him guilty under Section 320 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which pertains to causing death through rash or negligent driving. In addition to the prison sentence, Achakzai has been ordered to pay diyat (blood money) to the deceased’s family.

This ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to holding public figures accountable for their actions, particularly in cases involving road safety and the protection of law enforcement personnel. The tragic incident occurred in June 2017 when Achakzai’s vehicle struck and killed the traffic sergeant at GPO Chowk in Quetta as he was returning from a session of the Balochistan Assembly.

The court has also directed the Additional Sessions Judge-VI in Quetta to issue non-bailable warrants for Achakzai’s immediate arrest, marking a significant step in the pursuit of justice for the victim’s family. Legal experts suggest that this case may set a precedent for similar incidents involving lawmakers and public officials.