Fri Jan 02 14:52:06 UTC 2026: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pakistani Court Sentences Journalists to Life in Absentia for Inciting Violence

Islamabad, Pakistan – A Pakistani anti-terrorism court has sentenced several journalists and social media commentators to life imprisonment in absentia for allegedly inciting violence during unrest following the brief arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in May 2023.

Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra delivered the verdict in Islamabad on Friday, convicting those accused of instigating riots that included attacks on military facilities and government property by Khan’s supporters.

Those convicted include:

  • 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)

All of the accused currently reside outside of Pakistan, having left the country in recent years to avoid arrest. The convictions stem from cases registered after the May 2023 unrest, triggered by Khan’s arrest in a corruption case.

The Pakistani government and military have since launched a broad crackdown on Khan’s party and dissenting voices, utilizing anti-terrorism laws and military trials to prosecute individuals accused of incitement and attacks on state institutions.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) previously condemned the investigations as retaliation against critical reporting. “Authorities must immediately drop these investigations and cease the relentless intimidation and censorship of the media,” said CPJ Asia Programme Coordinator Beh Lih Yi in 2023.

Sabir Shakir, a former ARY TV host who left Pakistan, told The Associated Press that he was aware of the conviction and denied the charges. “The ruling against me and others is nothing but a political victimisation,” Shakir stated.

The convicted have the right to appeal the verdict within seven days. The court has also ordered police to arrest them and transfer them to prison should they return to Pakistan.

Read More