TLP Leader Zaheerul Hassan Shah Gets 35-Year Jail Term in Major Anti-Terror Ruling

A top leader of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan was given a 35-year jail term on Monday. The ruling came from an anti-terror court in Lahore. The court said Zaheerul Hassan Shah incited people to behead Pakistan’s former chief justice. The order was issued inside Kot Lakhpat Jail during special jail proceedings.

The sentence follows months of legal action. The case began after a public speech in July 2024. Shah had offered money for the killing of then-Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa. Authorities later arrested him under anti-terror laws.

TLP Leader Sentenced After Major Crackdown

The court reviewed statements from 15 witnesses. This was confirmed by officials cited by Reuters. They described the case as clear and serious. The judge said the act caused public fear and pushed violence.

Shah gave the threat in a public gathering. TLP chief Saad Rizvi was also present at the event. The speech spread fast on social media. It raised concerns about rising extremist calls in the country.

The speech targeted Qazi Faez Isa. He had approved bail for an Ahmadi suspect accused of blasphemy. His ruling also noted that Ahmadis have the right to worship at home. Islamist groups reacted with anger. Many accused him of harming religious laws.

The government banned TLP last year. The ban came after violent clashes near Lahore. Police and protesters fought for hours. Sixteen people died. Over 1,600 were hurt. More than 7,000 TLP members were held in raids. The group has stayed under pressure since then.

What the Sentence Means for Pakistan’s Security Climate

The long jail term shows a shift in Pakistan’s push against hardline groups. Officials say the ruling sends a clear message. Many see it as support for the courts and police. It may also lower fear among judges who face threats.

Security experts say the case marks a turning point. They note that past extremist threats often went unpunished. The strong sentence may slow radical calls for violence. It may also help calm tensions between the state and radical movements.

For the public, the case highlights a deeper struggle. Many Pakistanis want stronger action against hate speech. Others fear backlash from extremist groups. The case will likely shape future debates on religious laws and public order.

This ruling is seen as a major step in Pakistan’s fight against extremist violence. The conviction of Zaheerul Hassan Shah may shape future action against radical groups. The main keyword TLP leader sentencing will continue to guide public debate in the coming days.

Dropping this nugget your way-

Q1: Why was the TLP leader sentenced?

He was sentenced for calling on people to behead Pakistan’s former chief justice. The court said this was a terror act. It pushed hate and fear in the public.

Q2: How long will he stay in jail?

The court gave him 35 years. The sentence was handed down during jail proceedings. He is now held at Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore.

Q3: What started the case?

The case began after a speech in July 2024. In the speech, he offered money to kill the chief justice. This triggered police action and a formal case.

Q4: Why did extremists target the chief justice?

He granted bail to an Ahmadi suspect. He also noted rights for Ahmadis to worship at home. Radical groups opposed his ruling.

Q5: Is TLP still banned?

Yes. The group was banned after deadly clashes in October 2024. Thousands of workers were arrested in the crackdown.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, AP, BBC