“Three lives lost. One mystery left behind

This is the intentional and premeditated killing of another person.
According to Section 300 of the PPC, a person commits Qatl-e-Amd if they act with the intention to cause death, or with the intention of causing bodily injury likely to cause death in the ordinary course of nature, or with the knowledge that their act is so imminently dangerous that it will most likely cause death.
This is the most serious form of homicide, punishable by the harshest penalties, such as Qisas (retaliation in kind) or life imprisonment.
Qatl Shibh-i-Amd (Culpable Homicide Not Amounting to Murder):
This occurs when the offender has the intention to cause harm/injury, but not the intention to cause death.
For example, striking someone with a stick intending harm but not death, which nonetheless results in the victim's death.
The punishment typically involves Diyat (financial compensation or "blood money") and imprisonment (up to 25 years).
Qatl-i-Khata (Homicide by Mistake or Accident):
This is the unintentional killing of someone due to mistake or negligence.
An example would be accidentally shooting a person while hunting, mistakenly believing them to be an animal.
The punishment involves Diyat and imprisonment (5 to 10 years).
Qatl-bis-Sabab (Causal Homicide):
This involves death caused indirectly through an unlawful act.
For example, digging a hole on a public path, which a person falls into and dies.
The punishment involves Tazir (discretionary punishment by the court) and Diyat.
The Concepts of Qisas and Diyat
Pakistani criminal law incorporates Islamic principles, including the concepts of Qisas (retaliation in kind, i.e., death for death) and Diyat (financial compensation paid to the legal heirs of the victim).
Qisas: The legal heirs of the victim have the right to demand Qisas.
Diyat: The heirs also have the option to pardon the offender or accept financial compensation (Diyat).
Due to this system, there is a possibility of compromise in murder cases. However, courts can still award punishments in the public interest and to prevent disorder in society (fasad-fil-arz), even if the heirs have granted a pardon