LAHORE: An Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore has sentenced banned Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan leader Pir Zaheerul Hasan Shah to 35 years and six months in prison. The court found him guilty of issuing threats against former chief justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa. ATC Judge Arshad Javed announced the verdict on Monday after concluding the trial in a case registered last year.
The court also imposed a fine of Rs600,000 on Shah after convicting him on multiple charges. Officials said the sentence reflected the gravity of the threats and the broader impact of the accused’s actions on public order and state institutions.
Arrest and Case Registration
Law enforcement authorities arrested Pir Zaheerul Hasan Shah on July 29 last year from Okara. Police made the arrest after registering a first information report at Lahore’s Qila Gujjar Singh police station. Investigators said the case stemmed from a speech Shah delivered during a protest rally outside the Lahore Press Club.
The demonstration took place against a Supreme Court verdict in the Mubarak Sani case. Prosecutors argued that Shah used inflammatory language during the rally and directly threatened the former chief justice, escalating tensions and provoking unrest.
Charges and FIR Details
Shah, who also served as vice emir of the now-banned TLP, faced charges under several sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act. The FIR also included provisions related to spreading religious hatred, creating anarchy, and pressuring the higher judiciary. Prosecutors further accused him of interfering in state affairs and obstructing public officials in the performance of their legal duties.
In addition to Shah, the FIR nominated around 1,500 TLP workers. Authorities accused the group of issuing death threats to the then-chief justice during the protest. Investigators said the scale of the threats demonstrated organised intent and justified prosecution under anti-terrorism laws.
Court Proceedings and Conviction
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence linking Shah’s speech to the threats and subsequent unrest. The court examined witness statements, video footage, and official records before reaching its decision. After reviewing the material, the ATC convicted Shah on multiple counts and handed down the cumulative prison sentence.
Government Ban on TLP
In October, the federal government formally declared Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan a proscribed organisation under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The decision followed a series of violent protests that disrupted public life in several cities. A notification issued by the Ministry of Interior on October 24 stated that the government had reasonable grounds to believe the group was connected with and concerned in terrorism.
Officials said the conviction underscored the state’s resolve to act against individuals and groups that threaten the judiciary and challenge constitutional order.
