MUHAMMAD IQBAL alias BALA vs THE STATE

The petitioner, Muhammad Iqbal alias Bala, sought relief from the Supreme Court of Pakistan regarding his conviction. The parties involved reached a compromise to settle the matter, the terms of which were formally recorded in a previous court order dated 18-1-1994. The State, represented by counsel, expressed no objection to the compounding of the offence. Consequently, the Supreme Court converted the petition into an appeal and granted permission for the compounding of the offence. The Court held that in light of the compromise between the parties and the lack of objection from the State, the petitioner was entitled to acquittal. Accordingly, the petitioner was acquitted of the charges against him and ordered to be released from custody immediately, provided he was not required in any other legal case. This judgment affirms the principle that where parties have reached a valid compromise in a compoundable offence, the court may allow such compounding, resulting in the acquittal of the accused.