Legal Remedies For Victims Of Terrorist Attacks
1. Federal Government v. Abdul Hameed (2005 – Supreme Court of Pakistan)
Background:
Abdul Hameed, a civilian, suffered injuries in a terrorist bombing in Karachi.
The case sought compensation and state accountability under the ATA 1997 and civil remedies.
Legal Issues:
Right of victims to claim monetary compensation for injuries caused by terrorist acts.
State’s liability to provide rehabilitation and support.
Judgment:
The Supreme Court held that victims of terrorist attacks are entitled to immediate medical treatment and compensation.
Court ordered the federal government to establish a fund for victims of terrorism.
Emphasized the humanitarian duty of the state to protect and rehabilitate victims.
Significance:
Set a precedent for financial relief and rehabilitation of terrorism victims.
Reinforced that legal remedies extend beyond criminal prosecution to civil compensation.
2. Zaheer Ahmed v. State (2009 – ATC Lahore)
Background:
Victims of a coordinated bombing in Lahore sought legal intervention for compensation and protection.
The attack killed family members and caused property damage.
Legal Issues:
Availability of civil claims alongside criminal proceedings.
Protection of victims during ongoing trials.
Judgment:
ATC recognized the right of victims to participate as “aggrieved persons” under ATA 1997.
Ordered payment of compensation from state-controlled relief funds.
Directed police to provide security for affected families during the trial.
Significance:
Highlighted that victims can actively participate in ATC proceedings.
Established procedural safeguards for victim protection and compensation.
3. Peshawar School Attack Victim Case (2014 – ATC Peshawar)
Background:
Families of children killed in the Army Public School attack filed for legal remedies and compensation.
Case included civil petitions alongside ATC criminal proceedings.
Legal Issues:
Determining compensation amounts for families of deceased children.
Ensuring state accountability for security failures.
Judgment:
ATC and provincial government awarded financial compensation to victims’ families.
Court emphasized long-term support, including educational scholarships for surviving children of affected families.
Directed state agencies to review security protocols for schools in terrorism-prone areas.
Significance:
Showed integrated approach of ATCs: criminal justice + victim rehabilitation.
Legal remedies included monetary, educational, and protective measures.
4. Karachi Bomb Blast Victims Case (2010 – Sindh High Court)
Background:
Victims of a series of bombings in Karachi filed petitions claiming state negligence in failing to prevent attacks.
Sought injunctive relief and compensation.
Legal Issues:
Can victims hold the state accountable for failure to provide security?
Scope of compensation under the Constitution and ATA.
Judgment:
Sindh High Court allowed civil claims against the state for negligence in protection.
Directed authorities to provide medical, financial, and psychological support to victims.
Held that victims have a constitutional right to protection and redress.
Significance:
Clarified that legal remedies are not limited to criminal trials.
Established civil recourse for state accountability alongside criminal proceedings.
5. Bombing Victims Association of Pakistan v. Federal Government (2015 – Islamabad High Court)
Background:
NGO representing terrorism victims petitioned for systematic compensation and victim support programs.
Highlighted inconsistent and delayed disbursement of funds.
Legal Issues:
Legal obligations of the state to establish structured victim support programs.
Ensuring timely relief for injured and bereaved families.
Judgment:
Court directed the federal government to create a centralized compensation mechanism for victims.
Recommended psychological counseling, medical care, and long-term rehabilitation programs.
Reinforced that ATA 1997 and constitutional provisions support victims’ rights.
Significance:
Institutionalized victim compensation and rehabilitation.
Provided a model framework for state-administered victim support programs.
Key Legal Remedies for Terrorism Victims
Monetary Compensation: Victims can claim compensation from state-administered terrorism relief funds.
Participation in Trials: Victims can be recognized as “aggrieved persons” and participate in ATC proceedings.
State Accountability: Courts allow civil claims against the state for security lapses.
Medical and Psychological Rehabilitation: Courts often order medical care, counseling, and long-term support.
Educational & Social Support: Legal remedies include scholarships for children, vocational training, and livelihood assistance.
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