Pak to execute five al-Qaeda terrorists for bus attack

Pakistan army chief Raheel Sharif on Thursday confirmed the death penalty given by the military courts to five “hardcore” al-Qaeda terrorists involved in the killing of 45 Shia Ismaili Muslims, murder of social activist Sabeen Mehmood and attacks on law enforcing agencies.

In a statement, the army said the five were tried and found guilty by the military courts which were set up soon after Peshawar school attack of December 16, 2014 for speedy trial of terrorists. 

“Today Chief of Army Staff (Gen Sharif) confirmed death sentences awarded to five hardcore terrorists,” the army said.

It said that they were involved in Safoora Chowrangi bus attack, IED blast near Saleh Masjid, killing of social worker Sabeen and attacks on law enforcing agencies in Karachi.

Kalashnikov-wielding militants donning police uniforms had killed 45 Shia Ismaili Muslims - 26 men and 17 women, shooting them in the head inside their bus on May 13 last year in the Safoora Chowrangi attack in Karachi.