In a major development highlighting a severe crackdown on dissent, a Pakistani anti-terrorism court has handed down life imprisonment sentences to eight journalists and social media commentators. The sentencing was done in absentia on Friday, with the court convicting them of terrorism-related offences linked to their online activity in support of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.
The Charges and the Court's Ruling
The convictions are directly connected to cases registered after the widespread and violent protests that erupted across Pakistan on May 9, 2023. These protests were triggered by the brief arrest of Imran Khan, during which his supporters attacked multiple military installations. The court, in its ruling, stated that the actions of the accused "fell within the ambit of terrorism" under the country's legal framework. It further asserted that the online material shared by them promoted "fear and unrest" within Pakistani society.
Most of those convicted are currently believed to be residing outside Pakistan and did not appear during the court proceedings, as indicated by official documents. The court not only imposed life sentences but also added further prison terms and substantial fines. The ruling mandates additional jail time if the imposed fines are not paid. However, all these sentences are subject to confirmation by the Islamabad High Court.
Who Are the Convicted Individuals?
According to the court's decision, the list of those sentenced includes prominent media figures and analysts known for their critical views. The convicted individuals are:
- Adil Raja (former army officer-turned YouTuber)
- Syed Akbar Hussain (former army officer-turned YouTuber)
- Wajahat Saeed Khan (journalist)
- Sabir Shakir (journalist)
- Shaheen Sehbai (journalist)
- Haider Raza Mehdi (commentator)
- Moeed Pirzada (analyst)
Reuters reported that it was unable to reach the convicted journalists or their legal representatives for an immediate comment on the verdict.
A Wider Crackdown on Dissent
This verdict is not an isolated incident but part of a broader, sustained campaign by the Pakistani government and military establishment. Since the May 9 protests, authorities have launched a sweeping crackdown targeting Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and other dissenting voices. The state has extensively employed anti-terrorism laws and even military trials to prosecute hundreds of individuals accused of incitement and attacks on state institutions.
International press freedom advocates have condemned these actions. In 2023, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) stated that the investigations against these journalists amounted to retaliation for their critical reporting. Beh Lih Yi, CPJ's Asia programme coordinator, had called for authorities to "immediately drop these investigations and cease the relentless intimidation and censorship of the media." This latest verdict is likely to intensify concerns about the shrinking space for free speech and independent journalism in Pakistan.
