ATC Sentences Adil Raja and Others to Double Life Imprisonment in Digital Terrorism Case Against State Institutions

Islamabad: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has sentenced Adil Raja and several other accused to two counts of life imprisonment each in a case related to digital terrorism against state institutions.

The verdict was announced by ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra after the conclusion of the trial related to the May 9 incidents involving alleged digital propaganda and actions against state institutions. The decision had earlier been reserved and was pronounced shortly after the completion of arguments.

The court awarded two life imprisonment sentences each to Adil Raja, Haider Mehdi, and Wajahat Saeed. Similarly, Sabir Shakir and Moeed Pirzada were also sentenced to two counts of life imprisonment each. In addition, the accused were handed cumulative sentences of 35 years in prison under other charges and fined a total of Rs1.5 million.

During the proceedings, the prosecution presented a total of 24 witnesses before the court. On the prosecution’s request, the trial was conducted and completed in the absence of the accused. Prosecutor Raja Naveed Hussain Kiani represented the state during the hearings.

In the Abpara police station case, Sabir Shakir, Moeed Pirzada, and Syed Akbar Hussain were sentenced to life imprisonment. In a separate case registered at Ramna police station, Shahin Sehbai, Haider Mehdi, and Wajahat Saeed were convicted and sentenced.

Advocate Gulfam Ashraf Goraya appeared before the court on behalf of the accused. It is noteworthy that the court had appointed him as the defense counsel. Under anti-terrorism laws, trials can be conducted in the absence of the accused.