Pakistan hangs four convicted of Taliban massacre at school

Pakistan executed four men on Wednesday for involvement in the massacre of 134 children at an army-run school inthe northwestern city of Peshawar last year, media and security sources said.

The hangings were the first executions of civilians convicted by Pakistan's military courts, which were set up after the massacre through a constitutional amendment.

The executions were confirmed by three security sources, two of whom are based in Kohat, where the men were hanged early in the morning at the city's civilian-run central jail.

Hazrat Ali, Mujeeb ur Rehman, Sabeel and Abdus Salam had been convicted on August 13, according to a military statement sent on that date. All were identified as members of the Toheedwal Jihad Group (TWG), a previously unheard of faction of the Pakistani Taliban.

Three others were also sentenced to death for involvement in the attack, according to the same military statement, but death warrants have not yet been issued for them.

All nine attackers were killed in the siege on Peshawar's Army Public School, which killed 151 people in total on December 16, 2014. It was the worst Taliban attack on Pakistani soil.

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
related articles
Key interfaith leader stabbed in Bangladesh

Key interfaith leader stabbed in Bangladesh

Pakistan: Christian TV station destroyed in suspected arson attack

Pakistan: Christian TV station destroyed in suspected arson attack

Pakistan: Christian brick kiln workers arrested and beaten by police
Pakistan: Christian brick kiln workers arrested and beaten by police

Pakistan: Christian brick kiln workers arrested and beaten by police

International body calls for repeal of 'cruel' blasphemy laws in Pakistan

International body calls for repeal of 'cruel' blasphemy laws in Pakistan

News
A three day journey by canoe to receive life-saving treatment from Mercy Ships
A three day journey by canoe to receive life-saving treatment from Mercy Ships

Most Madagascans cannot afford surgery, even on the rare occasions its available.

Drought insurance helps Nepal families survive food crisis
Drought insurance helps Nepal families survive food crisis

An innovative drought insurance scheme has provided emergency support to hundreds of vulnerable farming families in western Nepal

Britain has become ‘dangerously complacent’ over family breakdown
Britain has become ‘dangerously complacent’ over family breakdown

Dr Harry Benson, Research Director at the Marriage Foundation, said the latest official data on families and households pointed to a “profound social change” that had received little public attention despite long-term consequences for family stability and child wellbeing.

Church of Scotland issues slavery apology
Church of Scotland issues slavery apology

The Church of Scotland General Assembly said it was “grieved beyond telling” for the suffering inflicted.