The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday heard the appeals of death row convicts Abid Malhi and Shafqat Buga challenging their convictions and death sentences in the high-profile Motorway gang rape case.
LHC hears appeals of Motorway Gang Rape convicts against death sentences
LAHORE, Jun 02 (APP): The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday heard the appeals of death row convicts Abid Malhi and Shafqat Buga challenging their convictions and death sentences in the high-profile Motorway gang rape case.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Syed Shahbaz Ali Rizvi and Justice Tariq Mahmood Bajwa conducted the hearing. Defence counsel completed their arguments seeking the acquittal of the convicts, while the prosecution sought time until Wednesday to present its submissions.
At this stage the bench adjourned further hearing until June 3.
The convicts were awarded death penalty by Anti-Terrorism Court No. 1 Lahore on March 20, 2021. The trial court had also sentenced them to 14 years’ imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs250,000 each on robbery charges.
In addition, the convicts were handed life imprisonment for kidnapping the victim’s children and five years’ imprisonment for damaging the victim’s vehicle.
The case was registered at Gujjarpura Police Station on September 9, 2020, following the incident that sparked nationwide outrage and debate over public safety.
Abid Malhi and Shafqat Buga challenged the Anti-Terrorism Court’s verdict before the Lahore High Court on March 25, 2021.
