On February 20, 2026, the Supreme Court of Pakistan commenced hearings on appeals from members of the notorious Chotu gang, including its leader Ghulam Rasool, who were sentenced to death for heinous crimes such as kidnapping and murder. The court, led by Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan, postponed proceedings until April 7, 2026, due to the absence of a third judge. Justice Malik Shahzad noted that while the Chotu gang had been infamous in Punjab, the Crime Control Department might have eliminated many criminals associated with them. The Lahore High Court had previously confirmed the death sentences on September 12, 2024, after the Anti-Terrorism Court-I, Multan, found the gang guilty of killing six police officers during a police operation in April 2016. This case has garnered significant attention due to the gang's notorious reputation and the serious nature of the crimes committed, which included extortion and murder, creating widespread fear among local populations (Dawn, February 20, 2026).