Pakistan court sentences journalists to life over links to protests after Imran Khan’s arrest

The court says the actions of the accused “fell within the ambit of terrorism” under Pakistani law

Journalists carry placards and a banner in a protest against what they call curbs on press freedom and excessive control of the digital landscape, in Karachi, Pakistan Jan 28, 2025. REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro/File Photo

A Pakistani anti-terrorism court sentenced eight journalists and social media commentators on Friday to life imprisonment in absentia after convicting them of terrorism-related offences linked to online activity in support of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.

The convictions stem from cases registered after violent protests on May 9, 2023, when Khan’s supporters attacked military installations following his brief arrest. Since then, the government and military have launched a sweeping crackdown on Khan’s party and dissenting voices, using anti-terrorism laws and military trials to prosecute hundreds accused of incitement and attacks on state institutions.

In its ruling, the court said actions by the accused "fell within the ambit of terrorism" under Pakistani law and that their online material promoted "fear and unrest" in society.

Most of those convicted are believed to be outside Pakistan and did not appear during the proceedings, court documents showed.

The convicted include former army officers-turned YouTubers 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 decision.

Saeed Khan, who lives in New York, said in a statement that he was "never served a summons, never notified of any proceedings, never contacted by the court."

"This ruling is not justice. It is political theatre, conducted without due process, jurisdiction, or credibility."

Reuters was unable to reach the other journalists, commentators or their lawyers for comment.

The Committee to Protect Journalists said in 2023 that the investigations amounted to retaliation against critical reporting. "Authorities must immediately drop these investigations and cease the relentless intimidation and censorship of the media," CPJ Asia programme coordinator Beh Lih Yi said.

The court handed down life sentences along with additional prison terms and fines, ordering further jail time if the fines are not paid. All sentences are subject to confirmation by the Islamabad High Court.