Acquitted by the Pakistan court, killers of American journalist Daniel Pearl are set to be shifted out from prison today. Pakistan supreme court-ordered to move out the killers to a government safe house. The decision outraged by Pearl's family as well as the US administration. Omar Sheikh and 3 others are detained at Karachi's central prison, they will be shifted to newly constructed rooms within the boundary of the central prison.

Daniel Pearl killers Omar sheikh and 3 others to be shifted today

Acquitted by the Pakistan court, killers of American journalist Daniel Pearl are set to be shifted to a government safe house within prison complex but Omar Sheikh will remain under watch.

Daniel Pearl Case: Omar Sheikh to be moved to govt safe house within prison complex

Pakistan has been in a desperate mode to walk an extra mile to mend ties with the USA ever since President Joe Biden and his team took charge on January 20 this year. In fact, even before the new dispensation assumed office, Pakistan had been active in sending feelers to team Biden to have a changed attitude towards Pakistan.&nbsp;

Significantly, &nbsp;Pakistani establishment always felt that Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump had abandoned Pakistan unlike other Republican Presidents, and therefore it’s time to reach out to the fresh administration. The visible motive behind this vigorous move was to come out of the global isolation Pakistan was reeling under, counter India to wean it away from the US proximity, dispel any misgivings that the US may have vis a vis Sino - Pak relations, use US good offices to repair the worsening ties with Saudi Arabia and of course to get financial packages to extricate itself from the economic imbroglio. As part of a wishful thinking, Pakistan is also hopeful that the Democrats led Presidency will have a changed and tough policy towards Kashmir.

Pakistani hopes were raised amid these developments particularly because of the recent disclosure by the new Defence Secretary designate, Gen Lloyd Austin who called for a renewed US cooperation with Pakistan in the light of Afghanistan and for containing terrorist activities. While Pakistan was euphoric with the statement of Pentagon Chief conveniently ignoring his cautious warning that Pakistan needed to do more to rein in its terrorists specifically naming Lashkar-e-Taiba ( LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). It was perhaps an early initiative by the US to wean away Pakistan from China but Pakistan read it too much.

However, this euphoria on part of Pakistan was short-lived as Gen Lloyd Austin called up his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh on Jan 27 hoping about an Indian vigorous role in the Indo - Pacific region and expressing keenness to strengthen strategic partnership with India. A call by the US Defence Secretary barely two days after assumption of office looks significant. Pakistan has silently taken note of it.

In another important move, the new US National Security Advisor (NSA), Jack Sullivan telephoned his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval almost simultaneously assuring renewed defence cooperation, Multilateralism, Quad dialogue etc. Both the NSAs also discussed threadbare on robust cooperation on cyber security, terrorism, strategy in the Indo Pacific region and beyond.

These happenings being closely watched by Pakistan were dealt a severe blow to its short lived buoyancy as the most recent verdict in the Daniel Pearl murder case by the Supreme Court of Pakistan upholding the acquittal of mastermind of the grotesque murder (Pearl the bureau chief of Wall Street Journal was mercilessly beheaded and video made and released in public domain), Ahmed Omar Shaheed Sheikh and ordering his release from the prison.&nbsp;

Reacting angrily on the judgment, in a statement on Jan 28, White House said that it was outraged by the verdict. The US chief spokeswoman, Jen Peski described the ruling as an affront to the victims of terrorism and called upon Pakistan to quickly review its legal options. Such reprimand from the US has given a jolt to the Pakistan efforts trying to warm upto the US. Meanwhile, family members of slain journalist &nbsp; Daniel Pearl have intensified their efforts seeking US intervention on Pakistan for reversing the judgment which was awarded (2 to 1) by a panel of three judges.

The US rebuff has also led to the American Attorney General offering to hold Omar Sheikh on trial in the US itself and was ready to take him into custody for trial proceedings as Pearl was an US citizen. In the meantime, more criticism, worldwide, is outpouring on this verdict. Most likely, in the face of ongoing US pressure and international condemnation, latest news indicates that the Sindh government has requested (Jan 29) the court to hear the appeal urgently.&nbsp;

The legal process seems to be moving fast ostensibly under US pressure but it’s to be seen if Pakistan legal system which is thoroughly flawed, punishes a dreaded terrorist for such an inhuman and heinous crime or let’s him off the hook few weeks before the FATF takes stock of Pakistan’s efforts to contain terror funding and other linked activities.&nbsp;

Again, US Secretary of State, Antony Bilken has also voiced his concern on the judgment underscoring the need for Sheikh’s trial in the US. In view of such &nbsp;volte face by the US, Pakistan steps to befriend the new US Administration can be on hold and the initial expectations can be ‘on wait’ till the guilty are punished as here justice is to be seen to be believed. Omar Sheikh is wanted in India too; hence Indian agencies and security experts need to keep an eye on the developments rather closely.&nbsp;

Also, Indian invisible bodies and diplomacy must step up actions exposing Pakistan for concealing the loopholes of its judicial system as seen in the most recent top court ruling exonerating a hardened and heartless offender like Omar Sheikh.

International commentators, in the meantime, have also opined that President Biden will have to face a test of faith in multilateral organisations and structures when the FATF meets to review Pak based terrorists’ terror funding problems in February. They also assess that as FATF prepares to review Pakistan’s performance, Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government is apprehended to go down in the rabbit hole of conspiracy.&nbsp;

Already in the backfoot because of Pakistan’s support to terrorism for cross border activities, its counter offensive to prepare a dossier alleging India as the sponsor of terrorism on the Pakistan soil will have no takers. The month that finished only yesterday, saw a spate of terror attacks in early January killing several members of the minority Hazara sect.&nbsp;

Such brazen terror assaults in cold blood exposes Pakistan’s skeletal intelligence and security machinery with complete indifference to the real threats. With a new US government in place, which is warming up to India already, Pakistan will have to rise to its emerging challenges to prove its bonafides or continue to face the flak from the international community. This said, there is hardly any doubt that the recent US rebuff on the Daniel Pearl verdict has dampened its enthusiasm which was part of kicking up a hype which was never there or even it was, it was grossly misplaced.

As this piece is going for the print, news emanating from Pakistan says that Pakistan Supreme Court on February 2, formally ordered the release of Omar Sheikh. The dreaded murderer has been on the death row for the last 18 years and will now be rehabilitated in a safe house where he will be allowed to meet his family members. His family has described this move as one step towards freedom. Indeed , it’s a travesty of justice as termed by the near and dear ones of Pearl .This development is bound to further incur the US wrath against Pakistan and it’s relations may sour contrary to the hopes of Pakistan . Either way, the happenings merit a close watch.&nbsp;

(Writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst and a former National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Mauritius. Views are personal)

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Pakistan has been in a desperate mode to walk an extra mile to mend ties with the USA ever since President Joe Biden and his team took charge on January 20 this year.

Pakistan has been in a desperate mode to walk an extra mile to mend ties with the USA ever since President Joe Biden and his team took charge on January 20 this year. In fact, even before the new dispensation assumed office, Pakistan had been active in sending feelers to team Biden to have a changed attitude towards Pakistan. Significantly, Pakistani establishment always felt that Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump had abandoned Pakistan unlike other Republican Presidents, and therefore it’s time to reach out to the fresh administration. The visible motive behind this vigorous move was to come out of the global isolation Pakistan was reeling under, counter India to wean it away from the US proximity, dispel any misgivings that the US may have vis a vis Sino - Pak relations, use US good offices to repair the worsening ties with Saudi Arabia and of course to get financial packages to extricate itself from the economic imbroglio. As part of a wishful thinking, Pakistan is also hopeful that the Democrats led Presidency will have a changed and tough policy towards Kashmir. Pakistani hopes were raised amid these developments particularly because of the recent disclosure by the new Defence Secretary designate, Gen Lloyd Austin who called for a renewed US cooperation with Pakistan in the light of Afghanistan and for containing terrorist activities. While Pakistan was euphoric with the statement of Pentagon Chief conveniently ignoring his cautious warning that Pakistan needed to do more to rein in its terrorists specifically naming Lashkar-e-Taiba ( LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). It was perhaps an early initiative by the US to wean away Pakistan from China but Pakistan read it too much. However, this euphoria on part of Pakistan was short-lived as Gen Lloyd Austin called up his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh on Jan 27 hoping about an Indian vigorous role in the Indo - Pacific region and expressing keenness to strengthen strategic partnership with India. A call by the US Defence Secretary barely two days after assumption of office looks significant. Pakistan has silently taken note of it. In another important move, the new US National Security Advisor (NSA), Jack Sullivan telephoned his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval almost simultaneously assuring renewed defence cooperation, Multilateralism, Quad dialogue etc. Both the NSAs also discussed threadbare on robust cooperation on cyber security, terrorism, strategy in the Indo Pacific region and beyond. These happenings being closely watched by Pakistan were dealt a severe blow to its short lived buoyancy as the most recent verdict in the Daniel Pearl murder case by the Supreme Court of Pakistan upholding the acquittal of mastermind of the grotesque murder (Pearl the bureau chief of Wall Street Journal was mercilessly beheaded and video made and released in public domain), Ahmed Omar Shaheed Sheikh and ordering his release from the prison. Reacting angrily on the judgment, in a statement on Jan 28, White House said that it was outraged by the verdict. The US chief spokeswoman, Jen Peski described the ruling as an affront to the victims of terrorism and called upon Pakistan to quickly review its legal options. Such reprimand from the US has given a jolt to the Pakistan efforts trying to warm upto the US. Meanwhile, family members of slain journalist Daniel Pearl have intensified their efforts seeking US intervention on Pakistan for reversing the judgment which was awarded (2 to 1) by a panel of three judges. The US rebuff has also led to the American Attorney General offering to hold Omar Sheikh on trial in the US itself and was ready to take him into custody for trial proceedings as Pearl was an US citizen. In the meantime, more criticism, worldwide, is outpouring on this verdict. Most likely, in the face of ongoing US pressure and international condemnation, latest news indicates that the Sindh government has requested (Jan 29) the court to hear the appeal urgently. The legal process seems to be moving fast ostensibly under US pressure but it’s to be seen if Pakistan legal system which is thoroughly flawed, punishes a dreaded terrorist for such an inhuman and heinous crime or let’s him off the hook few weeks before the FATF takes stock of Pakistan’s efforts to contain terror funding and other linked activities. Again, US Secretary of State, Antony Bilken has also voiced his concern on the judgment underscoring the need for Sheikh’s trial in the US. In view of such volte face by the US, Pakistan steps to befriend the new US Administration can be on hold and the initial expectations can be ‘on wait’ till the guilty are punished as here justice is to be seen to be believed. Omar Sheikh is wanted in India too; hence Indian agencies and security experts need to keep an eye on the developments rather closely. Also, Indian invisible bodies and diplomacy must step up actions exposing Pakistan for concealing the loopholes of its judicial system as seen in the most recent top court ruling exonerating a hardened and heartless offender like Omar Sheikh. International commentators, in the meantime, have also opined that President Biden will have to face a test of faith in multilateral organisations and structures when the FATF meets to review Pak based terrorists’ terror funding problems in February. They also assess that as FATF prepares to review Pakistan’s performance, Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government is apprehended to go down in the rabbit hole of conspiracy. Already in the backfoot because of Pakistan’s support to terrorism for cross border activities, its counter offensive to prepare a dossier alleging India as the sponsor of terrorism on the Pakistan soil will have no takers. The month that finished only yesterday, saw a spate of terror attacks in early January killing several members of the minority Hazara sect. Such brazen terror assaults in cold blood exposes Pakistan’s skeletal intelligence and security machinery with complete indifference to the real threats. With a new US government in place, which is warming up to India already, Pakistan will have to rise to its emerging challenges to prove its bonafides or continue to face the flak from the international community. This said, there is hardly any doubt that the recent US rebuff on the Daniel Pearl verdict has dampened its enthusiasm which was part of kicking up a hype which was never there or even it was, it was grossly misplaced. As this piece is going for the print, news emanating from Pakistan says that Pakistan Supreme Court on February 2, formally ordered the release of Omar Sheikh. The dreaded murderer has been on the death row for the last 18 years and will now be rehabilitated in a safe house where he will be allowed to meet his family members. His family has described this move as one step towards freedom. Indeed , it’s a travesty of justice as termed by the near and dear ones of Pearl .This development is bound to further incur the US wrath against Pakistan and it’s relations may sour contrary to the hopes of Pakistan . Either way, the happenings merit a close watch. (Writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst and a former National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Mauritius. Views are personal) (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion: US ire against Pakistan on acquittal of Daniel Pearl killer

After acquitting Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh who is accused of killing American journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002, the Pakistan Supreme Court said the London-based terrorist should be kept in an easy environment in jail.

Pakistan Supreme Court rejects plea to halt Omar Sheikh's release

After acquitting Ahmed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deeply-concerned-over-pak-courts-order-to-release-omar-saeed-sheikh-in-daniel-pearl-case-352340">Omar Saeed Sheikh</a> who is accused of killing American journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002, the Pakistan Supreme Court said the London-based terrorist should be kept in an easy environment in jail.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/daniel-pearl-murder-case-pakistan-court-orders-release-of-omar-sheikh-359951/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Pakistan Supreme Court directed authorities to allow the family of Omar Sheikh to meet him from 8am to 5pm in the rest house. The court said all those under arrest should be kept in normal barracks over the next few days.

Omar Sheikh should be shifted to a government rest house, the Pakistan Supreme Court directed authorities. However, the court said in the rest house Omar Sheikh will not have access to the outside world.

"He should be kept at a place where its easier to ensure security," the court said while asserting that he will not be released but kept under watch.

Pakistan's top court also rejected Sindh governments plea seeking interim orders against Omar Sheikh's release as ordered by the Sindh High Court.

The case has been adjourned until indefinite time period.

After acquitting Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh who is accused of killing American journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002, the Pakistan Supreme Court said the London-based terrorist should be kept in an easy environment in jail. Watch: The Pakistan Supreme Court directed authorities to allow the family of Omar Sheikh to meet him from 8am to 5pm in the rest house. The court said all those under arrest should be kept in normal barracks over the next few days. Omar Sheikh should be shifted to a government rest house, the Pakistan Supreme Court directed authorities. However, the court said in the rest house Omar Sheikh will not have access to the outside world. "He should be kept at a place where its easier to ensure security," the court said while asserting that he will not be released but kept under watch. Pakistan's top court also rejected Sindh governments plea seeking interim orders against Omar Sheikh's release as ordered by the Sindh High Court. The case has been adjourned until indefinite time period.

Daniel Pearl murder: Pak Supreme Court rejects plea to halt Omar Sheikh's release; shifted to ordinary cell

Pakistan government has decided to formally join the Sindh govt's review petition against the Supreme Court judgement on the acquittal of all accused persons involved in the murder of journalist Daniel Pearl.

Daniel Pearl Murder Case: Pak govt formally to join Sindh's review plea

The Biden administration is 'outraged' over Pak Judiciary's decision to free Daniel Pearl's killer. U.S. has reminded Pak that the release is an 'affront' to terror victims everywhere.

Gravitas: U.S. responds to Pearl Family's request

Pakistan's Supreme Court has ordered the release of the man who was convicted for the murder of Daniel Pearl. Pearl's parents are saying the release will put 'journalists in danger everywhere'. Molly Gambhir gets you the story.

Gravitas: Daniel Pearl's killer to be released

Daniel Pearl, then the South Asia bureau chief of The Wall Street Journal, was reportedly researching on religious extremism in Pakistan, when he was abducted in January 2002.

U.S. journalist Daniel Pearl's killers to walk free

Psaki said the Pakistani court’s actions underscored the administration’s commitment to secure justice for Pearl’s family.

Daniel Pearl case: Jen Psaki calls on Pak govt to quickly review legal option

Slamming the Pakistani court's decision to acquit journalist Daniel Pearl's killer Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, Joe Biden's administration has said it was "outraged" Thursday after Pakistan's top court upheld the acquittal and ordered the release of the terrorist convicted of masterminding the 2002 beheading of US journalist Daniel Pearl.

US expresses outrage after Pakistan SC acquits Daniel Pearl's killer

Daniel Pearl murder case: Pakistan court orders release of Omar Sheikh

The Justice Department is prepared to take action if Pakistani officials fail in their bid to reverse a court-ordered release of Omar Sheikh.

'Will not allow Daniel Pearl's killer Omar Sheikh to evade justice': US Justice Dept

US State Department on Friday&nbsp;expressed "deep concern" over a Pakistani court's order to release British-born al-Qaeda leader Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and his three aides, who were convicted and sentenced in the abduction and murder case of American journalist Daniel Pearl.

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(1/3)We are deeply concerned by the reports of the December 24 ruling of Sindh High Court to release multiple terrorists responsible for the murder of Daniel Pearl. We have been assured that the accused have not been released at this time.
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It said that the US will continue to monitor any developments in the case and will continue to support the Pearl family "through this extremely difficult process" while honouring the legacy of Pearl as a "courageous journalist".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-court-orders-release-of-terrorist-omar-sheikh-linked-in-daniel-pearl-case-352063" hreflang="en">Pak court orders release of terrorist Omar Sheikh linked in Daniel Pearl case</a>

A Pakistani court on Thursday ordered the immediate release of four men accused of orchestrating the 2002 kidnapping and murder of American journalist&nbsp;Daniel&nbsp;Pearl, including the main suspect earlier sentenced to death for masterminding the killing.

Sheikh, a seasoned jihadist who once studied at the London School of Economics and had been involved in previous kidnappings of foreigners, was arrested days after&nbsp;Pearl's abduction and later sentenced to death by hanging.

The decision by Sindh High Court to release the accused comes months after it sparked outrage for overturning the murder conviction and death sentence of Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, and acquitted three other men connected to the case.

The four are being held under the emergency orders of the local government while an ongoing appeal against their acquittals is heard in the Supreme Court, but defence lawyers argued against their continued detention in the south of the country.

“All the petitioners ... shall be released from jail forthwith on the receipt of this order, unless they are wanted in any other custody case or any order against their release has been passed by the Honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan,” Thursday's court order read.

The April order has been challenged by the government at the Supreme Court, and&nbsp;Pearl's parents have also petitioned the country's highest judicial forum seeking the overturning of the decision to acquit the suspects.

Pearl&nbsp;was South Asia bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal when he was abducted in Karachi in January 2002 while researching a story about Islamist extremists.

US State Department on Friday expressed "deep concern" over a Pakistani court's order to release British-born al-Qaeda leader Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and his three aides, who were convicted and sentenced in the abduction and murder case of American journalist Daniel Pearl.

US State Department on Friday expressed "deep concern" over a Pakistani court's order to release British-born al-Qaeda leader Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and his three aides, who were convicted and sentenced in the abduction and murder case of American journalist Daniel Pearl. (1/3)We are deeply concerned by the reports of the December 24 ruling of Sindh High Court to release multiple terrorists responsible for the murder of Daniel Pearl. We have been assured that the accused have not been released at this time. — State_SCA (@State_SCA) December 24, 2020 × It said that the US will continue to monitor any developments in the case and will continue to support the Pearl family "through this extremely difficult process" while honouring the legacy of Pearl as a "courageous journalist". Also read: Pak court orders release of terrorist Omar Sheikh linked in Daniel Pearl case A Pakistani court on Thursday ordered the immediate release of four men accused of orchestrating the 2002 kidnapping and murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl, including the main suspect earlier sentenced to death for masterminding the killing. Sheikh, a seasoned jihadist who once studied at the London School of Economics and had been involved in previous kidnappings of foreigners, was arrested days after Pearl's abduction and later sentenced to death by hanging. The decision by Sindh High Court to release the accused comes months after it sparked outrage for overturning the murder conviction and death sentence of Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, and acquitted three other men connected to the case. The four are being held under the emergency orders of the local government while an ongoing appeal against their acquittals is heard in the Supreme Court, but defence lawyers argued against their continued detention in the south of the country. “All the petitioners ... shall be released from jail forthwith on the receipt of this order, unless they are wanted in any other custody case or any order against their release has been passed by the Honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan,” Thursday's court order read. The April order has been challenged by the government at the Supreme Court, and Pearl's parents have also petitioned the country's highest judicial forum seeking the overturning of the decision to acquit the suspects. Pearl was South Asia bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal when he was abducted in Karachi in January 2002 while researching a story about Islamist extremists.

'Deeply concerned': US slams Pak court's order to release accused in Daniel Pearl case

Deeply concerned over Pak court's order to release Omar Saeed Sheikh in Daniel Pearl case

In April, the high court had heard the appeals of Sheikh, Fahad Naseem, Sheikh Adil and Salman Saqib 18 years after they were sentenced and acquitted Sheikh, Saqib and Naseem.

Sindh High court orders immediate release of terrorist Omar Saeed Sheikh

The Sindh High Court on Thursday has directed to release terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, Fahad Naseem, Sheikh Adil and Salman Saqib in connection with the abduction and murder of US journalist Daniel Pearl.

According to Daily Pakistan, the Sindh High Court also ordered putting the names of accused Ahmed Omer Saeed Shaikh and others in the exit control list (ECL).

The accused have been in jail for the last 18 years and ordered the accused to appear as and when the court summons them."Earlier Assistant Attorney General informed the court that the government have the authority to keep an accused in detention. The provincial home department held the accused under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) on September 28," Daily Pakistan reported.

In April this year, the appeals were heard after 18 years and acquitted Sheikh, Saqib and Nasim. Omar Saeed Sheikh is&nbsp;one of the three terrorists were freed by India during the hijacking of airliner IC814 in 1999 in exchange for the passengers.

After the appeals were heard, Sheikh`s death sentence was commuted to seven years and fined him Rs2 million. Sheikh has already spent 18 years in prison on death row, and his seven-year sentence for kidnapping was counted as time served.

The Pakistani media outlet reported that the men were detained under Section 11 of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

In 2002, Pearl, the 38-year-old journalist of The Wall Street Journal`s South Asia bureau, was abducted and beheaded while he was in Pakistan investigating a story of terror groups` links to Al Qaeda.

The US House Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs has expressed its "deep concerns" over Pakistan court`s decision in April to overturn the conviction of Omar Saeed Sheikh for the abduction and killing of Wall Street Journal journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002.

The Sindh High Court on Thursday has directed to release terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, Fahad Naseem, Sheikh Adil and Salman Saqib in connection with the abduction and murder of US journalist Daniel Pearl.

The Sindh High Court on Thursday has directed to release terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, Fahad Naseem, Sheikh Adil and Salman Saqib in connection with the abduction and murder of US journalist Daniel Pearl. According to Daily Pakistan, the Sindh High Court also ordered putting the names of accused Ahmed Omer Saeed Shaikh and others in the exit control list (ECL). The accused have been in jail for the last 18 years and ordered the accused to appear as and when the court summons them."Earlier Assistant Attorney General informed the court that the government have the authority to keep an accused in detention. The provincial home department held the accused under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) on September 28," Daily Pakistan reported. In April this year, the appeals were heard after 18 years and acquitted Sheikh, Saqib and Nasim. Omar Saeed Sheikh is one of the three terrorists were freed by India during the hijacking of airliner IC814 in 1999 in exchange for the passengers. After the appeals were heard, Sheikh`s death sentence was commuted to seven years and fined him Rs2 million. Sheikh has already spent 18 years in prison on death row, and his seven-year sentence for kidnapping was counted as time served. The Pakistani media outlet reported that the men were detained under Section 11 of the Anti-Terrorism Act. In 2002, Pearl, the 38-year-old journalist of The Wall Street Journal`s South Asia bureau, was abducted and beheaded while he was in Pakistan investigating a story of terror groups` links to Al Qaeda. The US House Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs has expressed its "deep concerns" over Pakistan court`s decision in April to overturn the conviction of Omar Saeed Sheikh for the abduction and killing of Wall Street Journal journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002.

Pak court orders release of terrorist Omar Sheikh linked in Daniel Pearl case

Slain US&nbsp;journalist Daniel Pearl's parents have petitioned to the Pakistani Supreme Court seeking to overturn a ruling that freed four men who had been convicted in 2002 of involvement in his killing, their lawyer said on Saturday.

"We're standing up for justice, not only for our son, but for all our dear friends in Pakistan so they can live in a society free of violence and terrorism," Pearl's father Judea said in an emotional video message posted on Twitter.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/isi-behind-baloch-journalist-sajid-hussains-death-say-well-wishers-296292">ISI behind Baloch journalist Sajid Hussain's death, say well-wishers</a>

Their lawyer Faisal Siddiqi told Reuters he had filed the petition on their behalf. A court official said it had yet to be admitted for further proceedings.

"A bare perusal of the entire record would reveal that there was a plethora of incriminating evidence, both forensic as well as oral, which proved that murder was committed and that all the accused persons aided and abetted the murder," the appeal petition said.

Islamist militant Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, a Briton of Pakistani origin who was sentenced to death in 2002 for masterminding Pearl's murder, had his sentence commuted last month and three of his aides who had been sentenced to life in prison were acquitted for lack of evidence by a high court in the southern port city of Karachi.

Pakistani authorities, however, ordered the four to be kept in detention for three months.

The United States denounced the high court ruling, with the top US&nbsp;diplomat for South Asia saying it was "an affront to victims of terrorism everywhere".

Wall Street Journal reporter Pearl, 38, was kidnapped in January 2002 while investigating Islamist militants in Karachi, capital of the southern Sindh province. He was beheaded some weeks later.

Slain US journalist Daniel Pearl's parents have petitioned to the Pakistani Supreme Court seeking to overturn a ruling that freed four men who had been convicted in 2002 of involvement in his killing, their lawyer said on Saturday.

Slain US journalist Daniel Pearl's parents have petitioned to the Pakistani Supreme Court seeking to overturn a ruling that freed four men who had been convicted in 2002 of involvement in his killing, their lawyer said on Saturday. "We're standing up for justice, not only for our son, but for all our dear friends in Pakistan so they can live in a society free of violence and terrorism," Pearl's father Judea said in an emotional video message posted on Twitter. Also read | ISI behind Baloch journalist Sajid Hussain's death, say well-wishers Their lawyer Faisal Siddiqi told Reuters he had filed the petition on their behalf. A court official said it had yet to be admitted for further proceedings. "A bare perusal of the entire record would reveal that there was a plethora of incriminating evidence, both forensic as well as oral, which proved that murder was committed and that all the accused persons aided and abetted the murder," the appeal petition said. Islamist militant Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, a Briton of Pakistani origin who was sentenced to death in 2002 for masterminding Pearl's murder, had his sentence commuted last month and three of his aides who had been sentenced to life in prison were acquitted for lack of evidence by a high court in the southern port city of Karachi. Pakistani authorities, however, ordered the four to be kept in detention for three months. The United States denounced the high court ruling, with the top US diplomat for South Asia saying it was "an affront to victims of terrorism everywhere". Wall Street Journal reporter Pearl, 38, was kidnapped in January 2002 while investigating Islamist militants in Karachi, capital of the southern Sindh province. He was beheaded some weeks later.

Daniel Pearl's parents appeal in Pakistani court following freeing of son's killers

Hansal Mehta has taken every effort to make Omert&agrave; as authentic as possible. Most films rely on shot footage to make the film authentic, but for Omert&agrave;, the director has gone an extra step. 
 
Omert&agrave;, a gritty thriller based on terrorist Omar Saeed Sheikh&rsquo;s life, has been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/omerta-first-poster-rajkummar-rao-all-set-to-play-dreaded-terrorist-omar-saeed-shaikh-in-hansal-mehtas-latest-35531">making ripples ever since the poster was launched</a>. Rajkummar Rao&rsquo;s intense look and real-life locations in the trailer have left the audience wanting for more. The film, Hansal Mehta says, is an expos&eacute; about state-sponsored terrorism. The filmmakers went through intensive research to make every aspect of the film credible. 
 
Good research notwithstanding, Hansal Mehta has done something that has never been done before- he has purchased real life footage from a number of sources. Omar Sheikh was a mastermind behind several terrorist attacks all over the world. Mehta&rsquo;s research unearthed links between Sheikh and dreaded terrorist Osama Bin Laden and the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre.&nbsp; 
This footage includes clips of the Kandahar attack, media footage following the 9/11 attack and other clips from a whole range of sources. The sum spent on the footage is undisclosed, but the sources are credible. 
 
Hansal Mehta said, &ldquo;When it comes to the film, everything has to be credible. To ensure we kept it as real as possible, we purchased actual footage. The film covers various crucial events from world history. I had to buy these videos different agencies. They were brought in bits and pieces through the years.&rdquo; 
 
Omert&agrave; is the horrifying true story of one of the most dreaded terrorists of our times. Shot in real locations across London and India, Hansal Mehta&#39;s Omert&agrave; exposes the real and present danger of Pakistan sponsored terror. Woven around some of the most bloody terror attacks in recent history including the 9/11 world trade centre attacks, the Mumbai Terror Strike and the brutal beheading of American journalist Daniel Pearl, Omert&agrave; is a thriller that looks into the journey of an evil mind.&nbsp; 
 
The film premiered to excellent reviews at the Toronto International Film Festival 2017 followed by the Busan International Film Festival and a very successful screening as the closing film at the Mumbai Film Festival 2017. 
 
Presented by Swiss Entertainment and Karma Media, Produced by Nahid Khan and directed by Hansal Mehta, Omert&agrave; starring Rajkummar Rao releases on April 20th, 2018. 
&nbsp;

Omertà, a gritty thriller based on terrorist Omar Saeed Sheikh’s life, has been making ripples ever since the poster was launched.

Hansal Mehta has taken every effort to make Omertà as authentic as possible. Most films rely on shot footage to make the film authentic, but for Omertà, the director has gone an extra step. Omertà, a gritty thriller based on terrorist Omar Saeed Sheikh’s life, has been making ripples ever since the poster was launched. Rajkummar Rao’s intense look and real-life locations in the trailer have left the audience wanting for more. The film, Hansal Mehta says, is an exposé about state-sponsored terrorism. The filmmakers went through intensive research to make every aspect of the film credible. Good research notwithstanding, Hansal Mehta has done something that has never been done before- he has purchased real life footage from a number of sources. Omar Sheikh was a mastermind behind several terrorist attacks all over the world. Mehta’s research unearthed links between Sheikh and dreaded terrorist Osama Bin Laden and the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre. This footage includes clips of the Kandahar attack, media footage following the 9/11 attack and other clips from a whole range of sources. The sum spent on the footage is undisclosed, but the sources are credible. Hansal Mehta said, “When it comes to the film, everything has to be credible. To ensure we kept it as real as possible, we purchased actual footage. The film covers various crucial events from world history. I had to buy these videos different agencies. They were brought in bits and pieces through the years.” Omertà is the horrifying true story of one of the most dreaded terrorists of our times. Shot in real locations across London and India, Hansal Mehta's Omertà exposes the real and present danger of Pakistan sponsored terror. Woven around some of the most bloody terror attacks in recent history including the 9/11 world trade centre attacks, the Mumbai Terror Strike and the brutal beheading of American journalist Daniel Pearl, Omertà is a thriller that looks into the journey of an evil mind. The film premiered to excellent reviews at the Toronto International Film Festival 2017 followed by the Busan International Film Festival and a very successful screening as the closing film at the Mumbai Film Festival 2017. Presented by Swiss Entertainment and Karma Media, Produced by Nahid Khan and directed by Hansal Mehta, Omertà starring Rajkummar Rao releases on April 20th, 2018.

Omertà: Hansal Mehta procured real-life footage for the film on Omar Sheikh

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