FO spokesperson says Pakistan remain committed to safety of Chinese workers,

Islamabad-A special Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has handed over death sentence to two accused of a terrorist attack on a bus carrying Chinese engineers working at Dasu Hydropower Project,

On July 14, 2021, 120 Chinese engineers and three Pakistanis workers were traveling to the Dasu Hydropower Project construction site when their bus was targeted by terrorists with a car driven by a suicide bomber. The bus got out of control of the driver due to the impact of the blast and plunged into a deep ravine. The incident led to the death of at least 13 people, including Chinese engineers, two FC officers, and two laborers.

Abbottabad police and the CTD of a premier intelligence agency and a special team not only solved a completely blind case but also took it to its logical conclusion.

The court also imposed Rs 40 million fine on both the convicted terrorists, besides awarding them a total of around 800 years of imprisonment beside life imprisonment. All the sentences shall run concurrently. ATC Special Court Judge Sajjad Ahmed Jan delivered the verdict in a camp court, established at Central Jail Haripur (CJH). The court also issued orders to release the four other accused for not being guilty.

The ATC special court sentenced the accused Muhammad Hussain, alias Syed Muhammad alias Zawan alias Mama, son of Abdul Rahim age 49, resident of Sabin Burat, Tehsil, Matta, Swat, and Muhammad Ayaz, alias Jan, 42, resident of Zurai Balu Jabril Tehsil, Matta Swat, and awarded each death penalty on 13 counts and 800-year imprisonment. The court also imposed Rs 40 million fine on the convicts.

The court ordered hanging each convict on 13 counts for the crime under section 302 PPC on 13 counts and 7-ATA. They were also imposed a 1.5 million fine per victim which the heirs of the deceased, would receive and ordered one-year additional imprisonment in case of non-payment of the fine by the convicts.

The ATC special court also ordered under Section 324 PPC, 32-time 10-year imprisonment for an attempt to murder each convict, two-year imprisonment under Section 337 PPC, two-year imprisonment under Section 427 PPC, and a fine of one million, six months imprisonment under Terrorist Act, Section 11-F (2) ATA, 1996, six months imprisonment under 120/B PPC, life imprisonment under 3/4 EXP for use of explosives.

The other punishments that were awarded to both convicted were under section 21 (I) ATA 1997, sentenced to life imprisonment and six months in prison in 202 PPC. The court acquitted both the accused as the charge in Section 353 PPC and section 21-J ATA were not proved.

The special ATC ordered to release four other accused in the case including Shaukat Ali, Anwar Ali, and Fazal Hadi residents of Matta Swat and another accused who was already on bail, was also acquitted.

Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch while responding to a question regarding the verdict in last year’s terrorist attack on Chinese engineers working on the Dasu hydropower project said the Foreign Office has noted the judgement passed by the relevant Court and details released by the local police.

“While specific queries may be directed to the relevant authorities, the proactive investigation, prosecution and judgment in this case have once again demonstrated Pakistan’s abiding commitment to counterterrorism,’ added Baloch.

“We again extend our deepest condolences to the victims’ families and remain committed to the safety and security of Chinese workers, projects and institutions in Pakistan. The ironclad Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership will never be undermined by hostile forces.”