The Lahore High Court (LHC) has confirmed the death sentences awarded to two convicts in the 2020 Lahore-Sialkot Motorway gang-rape case, dismissing their appeals.

The court ruled that the prosecution proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt using overwhelming evidence, including forensic, medical, and ocular testimony.The victims, a Pakistani-origin French woman and her children, were attacked in September 2020 after their vehicle ran out of fuel on the motorway.The accused were convicted under multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The LHC rejected the Punjab government's request to enhance life sentences to capital punishment, stating the trial court's sentencing was appropriate.The judgment emphasized the severe societal impact of such crimes and the necessity of strict legal consequences to deter future incidents.The court highlighted the disregard for human dignity and the need to uphold public confidence in justice.The case underscores the legal system's commitment to addressing sexual violence and ensuring accountability.