Full Breakdown
Pakistani Courts Uphold Death Sentences for Men Convicted of Gang-Raping French Tourist on Motorway
6/4/2026, 11:37:36 PM
Appeal Dismissed, Death Sentences Upheld
On Wednesday, senior judges rejected the appeal of Abid Malhi and Shafqat Ali, confirming the death penalties imposed after their 2021 conviction for the gang-rape of a French tourist on the Sialkot-Lahore Motorway.
2020 Motorway Attack
The assault occurred on 9 Sept 2020 when a French woman and her three children ran out of fuel on motorway. Attackers broke a window, dragged her out, raped her at gunpoint before children, and stole cash, jewellery, bank cards.
Accused, Charges and Evidence
Malhi and Ali faced kidnapping, gang rape, robbery and terrorism charges. DNA from the scene matched men, and the survivor identified them at a hearing. Anti-terrorism court tried the case to speed the trial.
Timeline of Key Events
The attack occurred on 9 Sept 2020; the perpetrators were convicted and sentenced to death in March 2021; the appeal was dismissed on Wednesday, confirming the sentences.
Key Statistics
Fifty-three witnesses, including the victim, testified; DNA evidence linked both suspects; Pakistan ranks among the world’s most frequent users of the death penalty, which is carried out by hanging.
Official Statements
Imran Khan described the crime as extreme brutality that has no place in a civilised society. Umer Sheikh argued the victim shared responsibility, claiming no one in Pakistan would permit sisters or daughters to travel alone late at night. The prosecution maintained that the evidence against the two men was overwhelming.
Public Criticism
Sheikh’s remarks sparked condemnation and accusations of victim-blaming. Social-media campaigns and street protests in Karachi demanded hangings for the perpetrators. Rights groups cited failures that deter reporting of sexual violence.
On-the-Ground Reaction
Images from September 2020 show demonstrators holding signs denouncing gang rape and demanding penalties. Protesters gathered at courts and police stations, chanting for justice for the French woman and her children.
Conflicting Accounts
The defence claims gaps in the prosecution’s narrative, but the appellate court found evidence sufficient. Sources do not specify the date of the appeal hearing or whether the executions have been carried out.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Such brutality and bestiality cannot be allowed in any civilised society.” — Imran Khan, Prime Minister
- “allow their sisters and daughters to travel alone so late” — Umer Sheikh, Lahore police official
- “He also said that the French woman "mistook that Pakistani society is just as safe" as her country of residence.” — Umer Sheikh, Lahore police official
Implications and Outlook
The upheld death sentences reaffirm Pakistan’s reliance on capital punishment for severe sexual crimes. Human-rights groups call for reforms to ensure fair trials and curb victim-blaming. Execution of the sentences remains pending, and the case may shape future debates on sexual-offence penalties.
