Military court verdict: Six terrorists sentenced to death over APS attack

Another convicted for attack on Rangers in Karachi

ISLAMABAD:

Seven terrorists involved in the Army Public School massacre and the attack on the paramilitary Rangers at Safoora Chowrangi in 2011 were sentenced to death by the military courts, the institution’s media wing said on Thursday.

The statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that eight  ‘hardcore terrorists’ involved in committing heinous offences relating to terrorism, suicide bombings, damage to life and property including attacks on APS Peshawar, Rangers in Karachi were tried by the military courts.

“In view of the nature and gravity of offences referred against each, seven terrorists have been awarded death sentences, whereas one terrorist has been awarded life imprisonment by the military courts,” the statement added.

It also said that the convicts were given fair trials, following all the legal formalities and offering them legal aid and defence counsels.

“Today the sentences of death have been confirmed by the Chief of Army Staff. The convicts have the right to file an appeal before the Court of Appeals,” the ISPR said.

The death sentences were announced days after the Supreme Court upheld the military court ruling.



Six terrorists who were awarded the death sentence for the APS attack include Hazrat Ali, Mujeebur Rehman alias Ali, Sabeel alias Yahya, Molvi Abdus Salam, Taj Muhammad alias Rizwan and Ateequr Rehman alias Usman. While Kifayatullah alias Kaif Qari was awarded life imprisonment for his involvement in the attack.

On December 16, 2014, the Taliban launched a heinous attack on an Army Public School in Peshawar, killing over 150 people, mostly students.

The statement also said Muhammad Farhan alias Ali alias Abbas was convicted for his involvement in an attack on rangers at Safoora Chowrangi Karachi in 2011 and was awarded death sentence.


Published in The Express Tribune, August 14^th, 2015.