Supreme Court upholds life sentences for terrorism convicts, stresses iron-handed approach,
Islamabad_Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa on Thursday imposed a fine on a lawyer for what he deemed a blatant waste of the “court’s time”. As per reports, the Chief Justice imposed a fine of 5,000 rupees on the lawyer for wasting the court’s time during proceedings related to a property case.
Justice Isa remarked that the counsel had failed to direct the court’s attention to relevant documents and instead attempted to mislead the court. The Chief Justice expressed his disappointment with the petitioner’s counsel, stating that their actions had eroded the court’s trust.
He addressed the lawyer directly, saying, “The court has lost faith in you with this act of yours”. Chief Justice Isa further instructed the lawyer to deposit the fine amount to a charity of their choice and submit the receipt as proof to the court. The case in question involved a property dispute, and the court proceedings had been ongoing for several weeks.
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In a significant decision that underscores the nation’s unwavering commitment to combat terrorism, the Supreme Court has rejected appeals against the life imprisonment sentences imposed on two individuals convicted of involvement in acts of terrorism. The apex court upheld the High Court’s decision and emphasized the need for a resolute stance against those who disrupt peace and stability in the country.
The 14-page judgment, authored by Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle against terrorism in the nation. Justice Naqvi’s comprehensive analysis of the case reaffirms the principle of taking extraordinary measures to safeguard the state and its institutions from the menace of terrorism.
The judgment acknowledges that the country has been one of the most significant victims of terrorism globally, with the scourge of terrorism rooted in extremism dating back to the 1990s. Over time, terrorist activities have evolved, with targets now including individuals holding crucial positions within society and law enforcement agencies.
The verdict also highlights the means through which terrorist groups fund their operations, including explosives, firearms, target killings, kidnapping for ransom, and acts of terrorism. These activities are geared toward destabilizing society, spreading fear, and sowing panic.
The economic toll of terrorism is staggering, with billions of dollars lost to the national economy due to increased terrorist activities. To counter this growing threat, the Supreme Court’s decision emphasizes the need for extraordinary measures to protect the state and ensure its viability.
The judgment underscores the collective commitment of state institutions to deal decisively with those who break the law and disrupt the peace of society. This commitment is reflected in the Anti-Terrorism Act, which was introduced to bolster the state’s ability to combat terrorism effectively.
The Supreme Court also noted the alarming increase in the crime rate, reinforcing the notion that individuals who undermine societal peace deserve no leniency. The verdict firmly states that those who destroy the fabric of society through criminal acts must face stern consequences.
The case in question involved two individuals who had fatally assaulted two officials at a police gate in Dera Ghazi Khan. While the trial court had initially sentenced the accused to death, the Lahore High Court had commuted their sentences to life imprisonment. The accused subsequently filed an appeal with the Supreme Court, which has now decisively upheld the High Court’s judgment.
This landmark decision by the Supreme Court sends a resounding message that terrorism will not be tolerated, and those who engage in acts of terror will be held accountable, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to peace and security.
