A Pakistani court has upheld the death sentences of two men convicted over the sexual assault of a French tourist who was travelling with her three children, bringing renewed attention to one of the country’s most widely followed criminal cases in recent years.
The ruling was delivered on Wednesday after judges dismissed an appeal filed by Abid Malhi and Shafqat Ali. Prosecutors successfully argued that the original conviction was supported by strong and consistent evidence, including forensic findings and witness testimony.
The case dates back to September 2020, when the woman’s vehicle reportedly ran out of fuel along the Lahore–Sialkot Motorway. While she and her children were stranded, the attackers forced their way into the situation and committed the crime, before fleeing with her belongings.
Investigators later arrested the suspects after tracking them through mobile phone data. Authorities also reported that DNA evidence collected at the scene matched both men. During the trial, the survivor identified the accused, and one of the defendants reportedly admitted involvement before a magistrate.
The case was handled by an anti-terrorism court, reflecting the severity of the charges, which included kidnapping, robbery, and terrorism-related offences alongside sexual assault.
Public reaction in Pakistan was immediate and intense at the time of the incident, with widespread criticism of how early police comments were handled, especially remarks that were seen by many as shifting blame toward the victim. The backlash contributed to broader national debates on women’s safety and the treatment of sexual violence cases within the justice system.
With the appeal now rejected, the original death sentences remain in force. The ruling has again sparked discussion among rights advocates and members of the public about punishment standards and protections for survivors of sexual violence in Pakistan.
