A Pakistani court has sentenced a university student to two years and six months in jail for trying to learn how to make bombs using social media platforms. The student, Hannan Abdullah, was also fined PKR 50,000 (Pakistani Rupees) by the Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC).

Abdullah is a human resources student at the University of Narowal in Punjab province. He was arrested in 2022 by Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

According to the prosecution, Abdullah searched for bomb-making techniques on Facebook and Instagram. He was also said to have contacted members of a banned group through Facebook.

"The prosecution informed the court that Abdullah was learning how to make bombs on Facebook and Instagram. He also established contacts with terrorists and a banned outfit through Facebook in this regard," the report stated.

The FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) from the United States provided some of the evidence used in the case.

Even though there was no proof linking Abdullah to any terrorist group, he admitted to being curious and searching for the information online. However, the court ruled that his actions were serious enough to warrant jail time.


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