Story perspectives

Two Sentenced to Death for Motorway Kidnapping, Gang Rape

6/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Two men, Abid Malhi and Shafqat Ali, were sentenced to death for kidnapping, gang rape, robbery and terrorism on the Sialkot-Lahore Motorway in Pakistan.
The prosecution relied on DNA evidence, a magistrate-recorded confession and testimony from 53 witnesses.
Police remarks blaming the victim sparked nationwide protests against officials.
Prime Minister Imran Khan called the crime ‘bestial’ and urged the death penalty, a sanction Pakistan frequently applies.

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Story summary

Two men, Abid Malhi and Shafqat Ali, were sentenced to death for kidnapping, gang rape, robbery and terrorism on the Sialkot-Lahore Motorway in Pakistan.
The prosecution relied on DNA evidence, a magistrate-recorded confession and testimony from 53 witnesses.
Police remarks blaming the victim sparked nationwide protests against officials.
Prime Minister Imran Khan called the crime ‘bestial’ and urged the death penalty, a sanction Pakistan frequently applies.