Islamabad: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad on Tuesday handed down multiple life sentences and lengthy prison terms to several individuals in a high-profile case related to what prosecutors termed “digital terrorism” against state institutions following the May 9 unrest.
ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra announced the verdict after briefly reserving judgment upon the conclusion of trial proceedings. The court awarded two life sentences each to Adil Raja, Haider Mehndi, Wajahat Saeed, Saber Shakir, and Moeed Pirzada.
In addition to life imprisonment, the court imposed collective sentences totaling 35 years of rigorous imprisonment under various charges. The convicts were also ordered to pay a combined fine of Rs1.5 million.
According to the prosecution, the case revolved around the use of digital platforms to incite violence, promote hatred, and undermine state institutions in the aftermath of the May 9 incidents. Prosecutors argued that coordinated online activity played a significant role in spreading unrest and destabilizing public order.
The court was informed that the prosecution presented 24 witnesses to substantiate the charges during the course of the trial.
In the Abpara police station case, life imprisonment was awarded to Saber Shakir, Moeed Pirzada, and Syed Akbar Hussain. Meanwhile, in the Ramna police station case, Shaheen Sehbai, Haider Mehndi, and Wajahat Saeed were convicted and sentenced.
On the prosecution’s request, the court conducted the proceedings in absentia, noting that anti-terrorism laws allow trials to continue even in the absence of accused individuals. Raja Naveed Hussain Kiani represented the prosecution before the court.
For the defence, Advocate Gulfam Ashraf Goraya appeared on behalf of the accused. The court observed that Goraya had been officially appointed as defence counsel for the absconding suspects.
The verdict marks a significant development in cases linked to the May 9 violence and underscores the state’s firm stance against digital offenses deemed a threat to national security and public order.
