DHAKA: The two Pakistanis who were sentenced to death on charges of attempting to smuggle heroin into the Kingdom were executed on Tuesday.

The Ministry of Interior confirmed their execution and said in a statement that Abrar Hussein was arrested while trying to smuggle heroin stuffed in his gut. Charged with being in possession of drugs, he was referred to the General Court and a legal declaration that approved the charges was issued against him. Subsequently, Hussein was sentenced to death which was approved by the court of appeals and the Supreme Court.

A royal decree was issued to implement the sentence, which was carried out in Jeddah on Tuesday.

Zaheed Barakat Khan was also arrested while trying to smuggle heroin. On interrogation, he confessed to the crime, and was referred to the General Court. A legal decree was issued, and he was sentenced to death.

The court of appeal and the Supreme Court approved the sentence, and a royal decree was issued to implement the sentence.

The death sentence was carried out on Tuesday in Al-Qateef.

The ministry said their execution indicated the concern of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to fight narcotics because of the harm it inflicts on people and the community. The government hands out strict punishment to those who commit such crimes, the statement said.

Source: Arab News
BDST: 1106 HRS, JAN 16, 2014
RS