LAHORE, Mar 02 (APP):An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Monday handed down lengthy prison sentences in cases involving the issuance of fatwas against a former chief justice and the alleged incitement of violence.
ATC Judge Shahid Sikandar announced the verdicts after the conclusion of the trials. The court carefully examined witness testimonies and documentary evidence presented by the prosecution, concluding that the charges had been proven beyond reasonable doubt.
The court found Maulana Tahir Saifi, a leader of the proscribed Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, guilty and sentenced him to a cumulative 32 years’ rigorous imprisonment, in addition to imposing a fine of Rs 700,000.
In a separate case, accused Riaz was sentenced to a total of 36 years’ imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 650,000.
According to the prosecution, the convicts had issued a fatwa against the former chief justice and allegedly attempted to incite the public to commit murder by offering rewards and incentives.
A case against Maulana Tahir Saifi was registered at A-Division Police Station, Sheikhupura, on charges of issuing a fatwa and delivering inflammatory speeches. Meanwhile, a separate case against Riaz had been registered at Changa Manga Police Station, Kasur.