ISLAMABAD: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has announced its verdict in the digital terrorism case related to the May 9 incidents, involving online activities against state institutions.
During the trial, the prosecution presented a total of 24 witnesses. The case was heard by Judge Tahir Abbas Supra, who delivered the reserved verdict.
Prosecutor Raja Naveed Hussain Kiani appeared on behalf of the state, while Advocate Gulfam Ashraf Goraya represented the accused. The court had appointed Advocate Goraya as defense counsel, noting that anti-terrorism laws allow trials to proceed in the absence of the accused.
The court sentenced Adil Raja, Haider Mehdi, Wajahat Saeed, Sabir Shakir, and Moeed Pirzada to two life sentences each for digital terrorism.
In addition, the ATC handed down a cumulative sentence of 35 years’ imprisonment under other charges and imposed a fine of Rs 1.5 million on each convict.
The court completed the trial in absentia at the request of the prosecution and had earlier reserved its verdict.
According to case details, in the Abpara police station case, Sabir Shakir, Moeed Pirzada, and Syed Akbar Hussain were awarded life imprisonment, while Shaheen Sahbai, Haider Mehdi, and Wajahat Saeed were also convicted. In a separate case registered at Ramna police station, Shaheen Sahbai, Haider Mehdi, and Wajahat Saeed were sentenced accordingly.
The verdict marks a significant development in the legal proceedings related to the May 9 unrest and alleged digital incitement against state institutions.