ISLAMABAD: Islamabad’s Anti-Terrorism Court sentenced five individuals to multiple life terms in a landmark case addressing acts of digital terrorism targeting state institutions On May 9.
Presiding over the case, Judge Tahir Abbas awarded two life sentences each to Adil Raja, Haider Mehdi, and Wajahat Saeed. Similarly, Sabir Shakir and Mueed Peerzada also received two life terms apiece. Alongside these sentences, additional penalties were levied; the court imposed a cumulative 35 years of imprisonment under various charges and ordered each defendant to pay fines amounting to 1.5 million rupees.
This decision followed the conclusion of a trial that had been previously reserved. The accused were charged with utilizing digital platforms to perpetrate terrorist acts against state bodies, prompting strict judicial action.
In related prosecutions under the jurisdiction of the Abpara police, defendants Sabir Shakir, Mueed Peerzada, and Syed Akbar Hussain were sentenced to life imprisonment. Meanwhile, under the authority of the Ramna police, convictions were issued against Shahin Sahbai, Haider Mehdi, and Wajahat Saeed.
The proceedings took place in the absence of the accused after a request by the prosecution. Representing the state was Prosecutor Raja Naveed Hussain Qayyani, while the court-appointed Gulfam Ashraf Goraya acted as defense counsel for the defendants.
This decisive ruling by the Anti-Terrorism Court underscores Pakistan’s commitment to countering digital terrorism and was rendered after a thorough legal process, sending a clear message against such activities.
