Karachi accident accused secures bail in drugs case

A high court in Pakistan’s city of Karachi granted bail to an SUV driver who fatally ran over a father and a daughter last month in a drugs case.

The Sindh High Court (SHC) granted bail to Natash Danish against a surety bond of PKR one million. She has already been granted bail by a lower court in the case related to the accident after the victims’ family forgave her “in the name of Allah”.

She was booked in the drugs case after a report of her medical examination stated that she was under the influence of methamphetamine.

Three more people were injured in the tragic Karsaz road accident after Natasha’s over speeding vehicle collided with at least two motorbikes, and a car before turning over.

Justice Muhammad Karim Khan Agha of the SHC accepted the defense counsel's argument that the evidence regarding methamphetamine being found in her system was inconclusive.

The prosecution argued that Natasha was under the influence of drugs during the August 19 accident.

However, Natasha's lead council and Pakistan Bar Council Vice Chairman Farooq H. Naek emphasized that while methamphetamine was detected in her urine, no traces were found in her blood.

He also suggested that the presence might be linked to a prescribed psychiatric medication, adding doubt to the allegations of narcotic use.

What happened on Aug 19 and after

On August 19, Natasha, driving a speeding Toyota Land Cruiser, collided with multiple vehicles on Karsaz Road, Karachi, killing Imran Arif, 60, and his 22-year-old daughter Amna, and injuring three others.

Natasha was arrested on the spot and charged with manslaughter.

Earlier this month, Natasha was granted bail in the manslaughter case after the victims' family chose to forgive her “in the name of Allah”, emphasizing their belief that the accident was unintentional.

The family submitted an affidavit clarifying they held no objection to her release and had accepted a settlement involving employment within Natasha’s company for a family member, although they denied receiving any direct compensation.

Following the accident, a separate first information report (FIR) was filed when tests showed methamphetamine in Natasha’s system. Her bail applications in this drug case were initially rejected by lower courts, but her defense maintained that the traces were likely a result of psychiatric treatment.

The SHC’s decision today is significant as Natasha continues to face legal scrutiny amidst public and media attention, balancing accusations of privilege and her claims of innocence. While she remains free on bail, the final verdict on the narcotics charge is still pending.