An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has handed down multiple life sentences in the high-profile digital terrorism case linked to attacks on state institutions on May 9, delivering a landmark verdict under Pakistan’s anti-terrorism laws.
The ruling was announced on Friday by Justice Tahir Abbas Supra, who found several accused guilty of involvement in digital incitement and coordination related to the violence.
According to the verdict, Adil Raja, Haider Mehdi, and Wajahat Saeed were each sentenced to two consecutive life terms. The court also awarded two consecutive life sentences to Sabir Shakir and Muaid Pirzada.
In addition to the life sentences, the court imposed a total of 35 years of imprisonment on other charges. Each convict was also fined Rs1.5 million, according to court officials.
Read: Pakistan Cabinet Proscribes Adil Raja Under Anti-Terrorism Act 1997
The prosecution presented testimony from 24 witnesses during the trial. In cases registered at Aabpara Police Station, Sabir Shakir, Muaid Pirzada, and Syed Akbar Hussain received life sentences. In a separate case registered at Ramna Police Station, Shahin Sahbai, Haider Mehdi, and Wajahat Saeed were convicted.
The trial was conducted in absentia, as allowed under anti-terrorism legislation. Prosecutor Raja Naveed Hussain Kayani represented the state, while Gulfam Ashraf Goraya, appointed by the court, served as defence counsel for the accused.
In its ruling, the ATC reaffirmed that Pakistan’s anti-terrorism laws permit trials in the absence of accused individuals to ensure that justice is not delayed or obstructed. The court stressed that such provisions are essential for addressing cases involving national security and organised digital campaigns against state institutions.
The verdict marks one of the most significant judicial outcomes related to the May 9 unrest, underscoring the state’s position on accountability for digital and coordinated actions linked to violence.
