Elon Musk lauds Pakistan justice system after motorway rape case ruling
The billionaire businessman shared his reaction on X after the Lahore High Court upheld the death sentences of two men convicted in the high-profile motorway gang-rape case. His comments quickly attracted attention from users around the world.
In his post, Musk wrote, “Bravo, Pakistan! This is what we should be doing in the West.” The statement came shortly after the court rejected appeals filed by the convicted men.
The Lahore High Court maintained the earlier verdict against Abid Malhi and Shafqat Baga. Both had challenged the decision of an anti-terrorism court that had sentenced them to death for rape.
Bravo Pakistan! This is what we should be doing in the West.
A two-member bench consisting of Justice Syed Shahbaz Ali Rizvi and Justice Tariq Mahmood Bajwa announced the judgment. The judges upheld the death penalties as well as all other punishments awarded to the convicts.
During the hearing, lawyers for the accused argued that the trial court had not properly examined the facts of the case. They requested the court to overturn the verdict and order the release of their clients.
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However, Prosecutor Raheela Shahid opposed the appeals and told the court that strong evidence existed against both men. She argued that the anti-terrorism court had delivered a lawful and well-reasoned judgment.
Punjab Prosecutor General Farhad Ali Shah later said the case was a major challenge for the state. He added that prosecutors worked extensively to ensure justice was served.
According to officials, the investigation moved forward after the victim identified the suspects. Malhi’s DNA was matched with evidence from the crime scene, while Baga was traced and arrested through call data records.
Court records show that the case was registered at Gujjarpura Police Station in Lahore on September 9, 2020. An anti-terrorism court sentenced both men to death on March 20, 2021.
The court also handed each convict 14 years in prison and a fine of Rs250,000 for robbery. They received life imprisonment for abducting the victim’s children and five years in prison for damaging her vehicle.
The convicts later challenged the anti-terrorism court verdict before the Lahore High Court. After reviewing arguments from both sides, the court dismissed the appeals and upheld all sentences.
Musk’s comments have brought international attention to Pakistan’s judicial decision. The case remains one of the country’s most widely discussed criminal cases.
The ruling may strengthen public confidence in the prosecution’s efforts. At the same time, Musk’s remarks have sparked debate about justice systems in different parts of the world.
