An Additional District and Sessions Court in Taxila has delivered the Taxila newborn murder verdict, sentencing a man and woman to a combined 34 years in prison for killing their newborn baby girl. The judgment, announced on Thursday, has been described by legal observers as a strong message against crimes involving infants and vulnerable children.
The court found Zulfiqar Mahmood Satti and Areeba Imran guilty of murdering the baby, who was born as a result of their illicit relationship. In addition to lengthy prison terms, the convicts were also ordered to pay fines amounting to Rs80,000. The case drew public attention due to the brutality involved and the circumstances under which the infant lost her life.
Court verdict and punishment details
Additional District and Sessions Judge Farhan Mudassir handed down the verdict after hearing final arguments from both the prosecution and defence. According to the ruling, each convict was sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for murder. The court also awarded five years’ imprisonment to each for adultery, along with a fine of Rs10,000 per person.
Furthermore, the couple received two years in jail for criminal conspiracy and were fined Rs30,000 each under the relevant sections of the law. The judge ordered that the sentences run consecutively, resulting in a total of 34 years of imprisonment. Failure to pay the fines would result in additional jail time, as per legal procedure.
Background of the case and public response
Taxila newborn murder verdict. Case records show that the newborn baby girl was subjected to repeated and severe blows to her head and back shortly after birth. Her body was later abandoned in a deserted plot near Gali Sat Darbar Karimi in the Sadar Wah Cantt area. Local residents noticed the baby after hearing her cries and immediately rushed her to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital.
Despite efforts by medical staff, the infant succumbed to her injuries. Police registered the case on December 2, 2023, at Sadar Wah Police Station. Following their arrest, investigators stated that both suspects confessed to their involvement during interrogation.
After the verdict, the convicts were shifted to Adiala Jail to serve their sentences. Legal experts say the ruling reflects the judiciary’s zero-tolerance approach toward crimes against children. Child rights activists have welcomed the decision, urging authorities to strengthen awareness and preventive measures to protect newborns and ensure such incidents are not repeated.