Pakistan Court Sentences Journalists to Life Imprisonment for Pro-Khan Protests

Severe Sentences for Journalists in Pakistan

A court in Pakistan has sentenced several journalists and social media commentators to life imprisonment after finding them guilty of inciting violence during the protests related to the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2023. Anti-terrorism Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra announced the verdict on Friday in the capital, Islamabad, after concluding trials held in absentia.

Among those convicted are former military officers turned YouTubers, including Adil Raja and Syed Akbar Hussain, journalists Wajahat Saeed Khan, Sabir Shakir, and Shaheen Sehbai, commentator Haider Raza Mehdi, and analyst Moeed Pirzada, according to the court's ruling. None of the accused were present in court as they reside abroad, having left Pakistan in recent years to evade arrest.

The convictions stem from cases registered following unrest in May 2023, when some of Khan's supporters attacked military facilities and government properties in response to his temporary arrest on corruption charges. Since then, the Pakistani government and military have launched a drastic crackdown on Khan's party and dissenting voices, employing anti-terrorism laws and military trials to prosecute hundreds accused of instigation and attacks against state institutions.

The Committee to Protect Journalists stated in 2023 that the investigations represent retribution against critical reporting. “Authorities must immediately abandon these investigations and cease the relentless harassment and censorship of the media,” said CPJ Asia Program Coordinator Beh Lih Yi.

Journalist Sabir Shakir, who previously hosted a popular television program on ARY TV before leaving Pakistan, told the Associated Press on Friday that he is aware of his sentencing. He stated that he was out of the country when police accused him of encouraging mass violence. “The decision against me and others is nothing but political victimization,” Shakir told AP.

According to Friday's court order, those convicted have the right to appeal within seven days. The court also mandated that police arrest them and send them to prison should they return to Pakistan.