The Lahore High Court dismissed appeals filed by two convicts in the 2020 motorway gang rape case. Consequently, the court upheld the sentences awarded by the anti-terrorism court.
A division bench announced the verdict on Wednesday after hearing arguments from both sides. The bench included Justice Syed Shahbaz Ali Rizvi and Justice Tariq Mehmood Bajwa. Earlier, the convicts challenged their convictions shortly after the trial court’s decision.
The anti-terrorism court sentenced Abid Ali, known as Malhi, and Shafqat Ali, known as Bagga. The court awarded death sentences, life imprisonment, and additional prison terms on March 20, 2021. However, both convicts filed appeals against the verdict five days later.
Court Rejects Defence Arguments
The defence argued that weaknesses existed in the prosecution’s case. Lawyers claimed several inconsistencies created doubts about the allegations. Furthermore, they maintained that the trial court issued an excessively harsh judgment.
However, the state prosecutor strongly defended the original verdict. He argued that prosecutors presented overwhelming evidence against both convicts. Moreover, he told the court that the trial court committed no legal errors. Therefore, he requested the bench to maintain all sentences.
After reviewing arguments, the high court rejected the appeals. As a result, the convictions and punishments remain unchanged.
Case Sparked Nationwide Outrage
The motorway gang rape case shocked Pakistan in September 2020. The incident triggered widespread public anger and demands for justice. Additionally, remarks from a senior police official drew strong criticism nationwide.
The convicts attacked a French woman of Pakistani origin during a late-night journey. They assaulted her after her vehicle stopped because of a fuel shortage. The attack occurred in front of her three children near Lahore.
Following the incident, Gujjarpura police registered an FIR on September 9, 2020. Authorities invoked multiple Pakistan Penal Code sections and anti-terrorism laws.
