The Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Tuesday sentenced five accused, including Adil Raja, Haider Mehdi, and Wajahat Saeed, to two life terms each in a high-profile digital terrorism case targeting state institutions.

The verdict was delivered by ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Supra following the completion of the trial on May 9. In addition to life sentences, the court imposed cumulative prison terms of 35 years on the accused under various other charges, along with a fine of 1.5 million rupees.

Other convicts Sabar Shakir and Moeed Pirzada also received two life terms each. The court finalized the trial in the absence of the accused, a procedure allowed under anti-terrorism laws.

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During the hearing, the prosecution presented a total of 24 witnesses, while Raja Naveed Hussain Qiani appeared in court representing the state. Defense counsel Gulfam Ashraf Goraya, who had been appointed by the court, represented the accused.

The sentences were handed out in connection with two separate cases. In the Abpara police station case, Sabar Shakir, Moeed Pirzada, and Syed Akbar Hussain received life sentences. Meanwhile, in the Ramna police station case, Shaheen Sahbai, Haider Mehdi, and Wajahat Saeed were sentenced.

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The court emphasized that digital terrorism, including online activities against state institutions, is treated as a serious offense under Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act. Authorities have reiterated that trials can proceed even in the absence of the accused, ensuring swift justice in high-risk cases.

This verdict is expected to serve as a strong warning against the use of digital platforms to undermine state institutions.