The Lahore High Court (LHC) has upheld the death sentences of two men convicted in the 2020 Lahore-Sialkot Motorway gang rape case, rejecting their appeals against the trial court’s judgment.
A two-member bench announced the reserved verdict after reviewing the evidence and legal arguments presented by both the prosecution and defence. The court maintained the original punishment, which includes the death penalty, life imprisonment on other charges, and financial penalties imposed by the trial court.
The case dates back to September 2020, when a woman travelling with her children was assaulted after her car ran out of fuel on the Lahore-Sialkot Motorway near Gujjarpura. The incident sparked nationwide outrage, leading to widespread demands for justice, stronger protection for women, and reforms in law enforcement.
The trial court had convicted the two accused in 2021 after examining forensic evidence, witness testimonies, and other material presented during the proceedings. With the Lahore High Court now dismissing their appeals, the convictions and death sentences remain in place, although the convicts may still seek further legal remedies before the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
The ruling is being viewed as a significant development in one of Pakistan’s most high-profile criminal cases.
