Illicit weapons case: Activist sentenced to 14 years in jail

The convict, Sher Hakeem, is believed to be a worker of Awami National Party

KARACHI: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) sentenced on Saturday a political activist to 14 years in jail after finding him guilty of possession of illicit weapons and explosive material with the intent to cause damage.

The convict, Sher Hakeem, believed to be a worker of Awami National Party, was arrested in September, 2013, during a law enforcement agencies’ operation in Quaidabad area and an unlicensed pistol and hand grenade were also found in his possession.

The ATC-IX judge awarded him 14 years in jail for keeping explosives with him and seven years for possession of illegal weapons.

However, the court extended to him a benefit from the Code of Criminal Procedure to let both the sentences run concurrently.

The cases were registered under Section 23(1)a of the Sindh Arms Act and Sections 4 and 5 of the Explosives Substances Act, read with Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 23^rd, 2017.