An Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore has sentenced Hanan Abdullah to two and a half years in prison along with a Rs50,000 fine for learning bomb-making techniques via a social media app. The conviction follows an investigation launched after the FBI alerted Pakistani authorities about the suspect’s online activities.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) conducted the inquiry and presented eight witnesses during the trial. The court found Abdullah guilty of acquiring bomb-making knowledge from a foreign online account but did not find sufficient evidence for additional charges.
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Though the offence carries a maximum sentence of ten years, the court took into account Abdullah’s age and other circumstances before handing down the lighter sentence. Since Abdullah was previously out on bail, the court ordered his immediate custody and transfer to Kot Lakhpat Jail.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about the misuse of digital platforms for extremist purposes and Pakistan’s efforts to curb such threats with international cooperation.
