Karachi police have filed a new case under the Hudood law against Natasha Danish, the driver involved in the fatal accident in Karsaz last week that resulted in the deaths of two people and left three others injured. The case has been registered under Section 11 of the Hudood Ordinance, which deals with offenses related to alcohol consumption.
Section 11 of the Hudood Ordinance stipulates that if an individual is found guilty of drinking alcohol but is not subject to hadd punishment (the punishments specifically prescribed by the Holy Quran or Sunnah), they can still face tazir, which is any punishment other than hadd. This can include imprisonment for up to three years, up to thirty lashes, or a combination of both.
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The accident, which occurred on a busy road in the Karsaz area, drew widespread attention after initial reports suggested that Natasha Danish was driving under the influence. The incident sparked public outrage and calls for stricter enforcement of traffic and DUI laws. The charges under the Hudood Ordinance come in addition to the original charges filed against her related to the accident itself.
Legal experts point out that applying the Hudood law in this case indicates the authorities’ intent to pursue maximum punishment. The use of Section 11 suggests that the investigation found evidence of alcohol consumption but fell short of the strict requirements for hard punishment, prompting the use of tazir as an alternative.
The case has reignited debates about road safety, DUI laws, and the application of religious ordinances in Pakistan’s legal system. Public sentiment remains high as the families of the victims continue to demand justice, and there is growing pressure on law enforcement and judicial authorities to deliver swift and fair action.
Natasha Danish remains in custody as the investigation continues, and the public waits to see how the case will unfold under the Hudood law’s complex legal framework.
