LHC confirms death sentences in Lahore motorway gang rape case
The Lahore High Court (LHC) has upheld the death sentences awarded to two men convicted in the 2020 Lahore-Sialkot motorway gang rape case.
In its detailed judgment, the court ruled that the prosecution had proved the charges through strong witness statements, medical reports and forensic evidence.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Syed Shahbaz Ali Rizvi and Justice Tariq Mahmood Bajwa had earlier dismissed separate appeals filed by convicts Abid Ali alias Malhi and Shafqat Ali alias Bagga. The court has now released the detailed reasons behind that decision.
The bench also confirmed the death sentences through the mandatory capital sentence reference. However, it rejected the Punjab government’s appeal seeking stricter punishment by enhancing the life imprisonment awarded under Section 365-A of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The case was registered by Gujjarpura Police after the shocking incident in September 2020. The crime sparked nationwide outrage and raised serious concerns about the safety of women travelling on highways.
According to the prosecution, the victim, a Pakistani-origin French woman, was travelling with her children when her vehicle ran out of fuel on the Lahore-Sialkot Motorway during the early hours of September 9, 2020. While waiting for help, two armed men allegedly attacked the family, took them into nearby bushes and committed the crime before escaping with cash, jewellery, ATM cards and other valuables.
Police launched a large-scale investigation involving the Crime Investigation Agency, Punjab Forensic Science Agency and other law enforcement departments. Investigators collected DNA evidence, forensic reports and other scientific material that linked the accused to the offence.
Also read: Why Dubai visa offers $800 rewards to residents bringing visitors
On March 20, 2021, an anti-terrorism court convicted both men under several provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997. Along with the death penalty for gang rape, the trial court awarded life imprisonment for kidnapping, 14 years’ rigorous imprisonment for robbery and five years’ imprisonment for causing damage to property.
The trial court also ordered the convicts to pay compensation to the victim. In addition, their properties were ordered to be forfeited to the state.
During the appeal, defence lawyers argued that the prosecution’s case contained contradictions and that the evidence was unreliable. They requested the court to acquit the convicts, saying the charges had not been proved beyond reasonable doubt.
The prosecution maintained that the victim’s testimony remained consistent throughout the case. It also argued that her statement was fully supported by medical examinations, DNA analysis, forensic reports, recoveries and other independent evidence.
After reviewing the complete record, the LHC ruled that the prosecution had successfully established the guilt of both convicts. The court said the victim’s testimony was reliable and strongly supported by scientific and medical evidence.
The judgment added that the minor inconsistencies highlighted by the defence were natural and did not weaken the overall case. It also found no legal error or improper assessment of evidence by the trial court.
The bench observed that the convicts had shown complete disregard for human dignity and the rights of women. The judgment stated, “Such conduct constitutes an aggravated form of sexual violence and falls amongst those offences which shock the judicial conscience.”
The court further noted that crimes of this nature create fear among women and their families. It added that such incidents also damage public confidence in safety while travelling on motorways, roads and highways.
The detailed judgment reinforces the importance of medical, forensic and DNA evidence in serious criminal cases. It also highlights the court’s view that crimes involving extreme violence against women require strict legal accountability to protect public confidence in the justice system.
