Lahore: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has dismissed the appeals filed by two convicts in the high-profile Motorway rape case, upholding the death sentences awarded to them by an anti-terrorism court.
The ruling marks a significant development in a case that drew nationwide attention and sparked widespread debate about women’s safety, law enforcement, and criminal justice in Pakistan.
Two-Member Bench Announces Verdict
The decision was announced by a two-member bench headed by Justice Syed Shahbaz Ali Rizvi.
The bench rejected the appeals filed by convicted offenders Abid Malhi and Shafqat Baga, who had challenged the death penalties handed down by the trial court.
After reviewing the record and hearing arguments from both sides, the court upheld the original judgment.
Background of the Case
The case relates to a widely publicized incident in which a woman was assaulted on a motorway near Lahore in September 2020 after her vehicle reportedly ran out of fuel.
The incident generated strong public outrage across Pakistan and led to demands for stricter action against sexual violence and improved security measures on highways and public roads.
Following investigations, law enforcement agencies arrested the accused and filed charges against them.
Convicts Challenged Trial Court Judgment
During the appeal proceedings, counsel for the convicts argued that the trial court had failed to properly assess the facts of the case.
The defense maintained that the accused had not been given adequate consideration and that their position had not been fully heard before the verdict was delivered.
On these grounds, the appellants requested the Lahore High Court to overturn the death sentences.
Prosecution Defends Convictions
The prosecution opposed the appeals and defended the trial court’s findings.
Prosecutor Rahiila Shahid argued before the court that substantial and reliable evidence existed against both convicts.
She maintained that the convictions were based on merit and that the anti-terrorism court had correctly evaluated the evidence before awarding the death penalties.
According to the prosecution, the record clearly established the involvement of the accused in the crime.
Original Death Sentences Awarded in 2021
The two convicts were sentenced to death by an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on March 20, 2021.
The court found them guilty in connection with the rape case and imposed the maximum punishment under the applicable law.
Five days later, on March 25, 2021, the convicts challenged the verdict before the Lahore High Court, initiating appellate proceedings that continued for several years.
Court Reserved Verdict After Hearing Arguments
Following detailed arguments from both the defense and prosecution, the Lahore High Court had reserved its judgment.
The court subsequently announced its decision, dismissing the appeals and affirming the punishments imposed by the anti-terrorism court.
As a result, the death sentences awarded to Abid Malhi and Shafqat Baga remain in force.
Significance of the Decision
The Motorway rape case became one of the most widely discussed criminal cases in Pakistan in recent years.
The incident triggered public protests, policy discussions, and renewed calls for stronger protections for women and tougher measures against sexual violence.
The case also prompted debate regarding policing, emergency response systems, and public safety infrastructure.
Legal Process Continues
Although the Lahore High Court has upheld the convictions and sentences, Pakistan’s legal system provides for additional legal remedies in certain circumstances, subject to applicable laws and procedures.
Any further proceedings would be handled through the courts in accordance with the country’s legal framework.
For now, the Lahore High Court’s ruling represents a major judicial milestone in the case, reaffirming the trial court’s findings and maintaining the death sentences imposed on the two convicted offenders.
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