The sentences were announced by ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra in cases described in the FIRs as “digital terrorism” against state institutions in the context of the events of May 9, 2023. The court also awarded additional sentences totalling 35 years under other sections, along with aggregate fines of Rs1.5 million.
The court awarded life imprisonment to Sabir Shakir, Moeed Pirzada and Syed Akbar Hussain in cases registered at Aabpara Police Station, while separate cases registered at Ramna Police Station led to the sentencing of Shaheen Sehbai, Haider Mehdi and Wajahat Saeed.
The prosecution, led by Raja Naveed Hussain Kiani, presented 24 witnesses before the court. On the prosecution’s request, the ATC proceeded with and concluded the trial in the absence of the accused, with Advocate Gulfam Ashraf Goraya appointed by the court to represent them.
The court noted that, under the Anti-Terrorism Act, proceedings may be conducted in the absence of an accused person subject to legal requirements.
The federal cabinet has approved the proscription of former Pakistan Army officer Major (retd) Adil Farooq Raja under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, declaring him a banned individual.
According to an official notification issued by the Cabinet Division on December 26, the decision was taken under Section 11[EE] of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, following a summary submitted by the Interior and Narcotics Control Division.
It has directed the relevant authorities to submit a report on the implementation of the ban within seven days of receiving the decision.