ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad has announced its verdict in a case related to alleged digital terrorism against state institutions following the events of May 9.
During the proceedings, the prosecution presented a total of 24 witnesses. The case was heard at the ATC Islamabad, where Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra pronounced the reserved judgment.
Prosecutor Raja Naveed Hussain Kayani appeared on behalf of the prosecution, while Advocate Gulfam Ashraf Goraya represented the accused. Advocate Goraya was appointed by the court as defense counsel. Under anti-terrorism laws, trials may proceed in the absence of the accused.
The court sentenced Adil Raja, Haider Mehdi, Wajahat Saeed, Sabir Shakir, and Moeed Pirzada to two life imprisonments each in the digital terrorism case.
In addition, the court handed down cumulative sentences of 35 years’ imprisonment under other charges and imposed fines of Rs1.5 million on each convict.
The trial was conducted in absentia on the prosecution’s request, after which the court reserved and later announced its verdict.
In a case registered at Abpara police station, Sabir Shakir, Moeed Pirzada, and Syed Akbar Hussain were awarded life sentences, while Shaheen Sehbai, Haider Mehdi, and Wajahat Saeed were also convicted.
In a separate case registered at Ramna police station, Shaheen Sehbai, Haider Mehdi, and Wajahat Saeed were similarly sentenced.
The verdict marks a significant development in the legal proceedings linked to the May 9 incidents involving alleged online campaigns against state institutions.
