Sindh High Court reduces sentence for alleged RAW agent

The Sindh High Court has partially accepted an appeal by Muhammad Saleem, an individual accused of being an agent for the Indian intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). The court overturned his life imprisonment sentence related to charges of conspiracy against the state and armed aggression, citing a lack of reliable evidence.

The court ruled that the prosecution failed to provide credible proof of the defendant's connection to RAW or any specific conspiracy to wage war against the state. While the defendant's travel history to India was noted, the court stated that such history does not inherently prove a conspiracy. Furthermore, the court clarified that the mere recovery of explosives and weapons does not automatically establish the crime of terrorism, as specific intent to spread terror must be proven.

Under the Explosives Act, the life sentence was converted to 10 years of imprisonment. However, the court upheld a 10-year sentence and fine previously imposed by an anti-terrorism court for the illegal possession of weapons. The defendant was originally sentenced to a total of 34 years in prison and three life terms. He was arrested in Manora on October 7, 2024, following an operation by the Special Investigation Unit, during which a pistol, explosives, an awan bomb, a rocket launcher, and two passports were recovered.