Court docket sentences journalists in absentia over alleged hyperlinks to violent unrest after ex-PM Imran Khan’s Could 2023 arrest.
Printed On 2 Jan 2026
A courtroom in Pakistan has sentenced a number of journalists and social media commentators to life imprisonment after convicting them of inciting violence throughout riots in 2023 linked to the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
An anti-terrorism courtroom choose, Tahir Abbas Sipra, introduced the decision on Friday within the capital, Islamabad, after finishing trials held in absentia.
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The convicted embody former military 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, in keeping with the courtroom’s choice.
Not one of the accused was current in courtroom as they’ve been dwelling overseas after leaving Pakistan lately to keep away from arrest.
The convictions stem from circumstances registered after unrest in Could 2023 noticed a few of Khan’s supporters assault army services and authorities property in response to his temporary arrest in a corruption case.
Since then, the Pakistani authorities and army have launched a sweeping crackdown on Khan’s celebration and dissenting voices, utilizing anti-terrorism legal guidelines and army trials to prosecute a whole lot accused of incitement and assaults on state establishments.
The Committee to Shield Journalists mentioned in 2023 that the investigations amounted to retaliation in opposition to crucial reporting.
“Authorities should instantly drop these investigations and stop the relentless intimidation and censorship of the media,” CPJ Asia programme coordinator Beh Lih Yi mentioned.
Journalist Sabir Shakir, who beforehand hosted a well-liked tv programme on ARY TV earlier than leaving Pakistan, informed The Related Press information company on Friday that he was conscious of his conviction.
He mentioned that he wasn’t within the nation when police accused him of encouraging mob violence.
“The ruling in opposition to me and others is nothing however a political victimisation,” Shakir informed AP.
Beneath Friday’s courtroom order, these convicted have the correct to file appeals inside seven days.
The courtroom additionally directed police to arrest them and switch them to jail ought to they return to Pakistan.
