Man jailed in abuse case involving 15 minors

LAHORE: A Special Gender Based Violence Court has handed down a 15-year prison sentence to a man convicted in a sexual abuse case involving 15 minors, according to the Human Rights Council of Pakistan.

A spokesperson for the council said the verdict was issued in the case against Qari Muhammad Anwar after the charges against him were established beyond doubt. The court also imposed a fine of Rs1 million on the convict, the council said.

Court cites testimonies and forensic record

According to the Human Rights Council of Pakistan, the court said the prosecution case was supported by multiple forms of evidence. These included statements given by the affected children, forensic material, documentary record, witness accounts and what the court described as a detailed investigation conducted by the investigating officer.

The court concluded that the combined weight of this material proved the guilt of the accused, the council spokesperson said. The case was heard by a Special Gender Based Violence Court, which delivered the sentence after examining the evidence placed on record.

Victims faced intimidation, court says

The Human Rights Council of Pakistan said the court also observed that the children who were affected had been subjected to fear and intimidation in an effort to keep them silent. Despite that, the victims and their families continued to pursue the case.

According to the council, the court noted the courage shown by the children and their families in coming forward and seeking justice despite pressure and trauma linked to the case.

The proceedings, as described by the council, highlighted the role of witness testimony and supporting evidence in securing the conviction. The court’s observations, as relayed by the spokesperson, underscored both the evidentiary basis of the ruling and the difficulties faced by the victims during the legal process.

Council says it supported affected families

The Human Rights Council of Pakistan said it remained actively involved throughout the proceedings. The organisation stated that it provided legal assistance, guidance and moral support to the families of the affected children during the course of the case.

The conviction and sentencing mark the conclusion of the trial before the Special Gender Based Violence Court in the case against Qari Muhammad Anwar. According to the council, the ruling followed the court’s finding that the allegations had been proved beyond doubt on the basis of the testimonies, forensic and documentary evidence, witness statements and the investigation record presented before it.

The court’s order, as conveyed by the Human Rights Council of Pakistan, includes both the 15-year jail term and the Rs1 million fine.