A court in Pakistan has handed down life sentences to several journalists and social media commentators for their roles in inciting violence during protests in 2023 that were triggered by the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The verdict was announced on October 20, 2023, by anti-terrorism court judge Tahir Abbas Sipra in Islamabad, following trials conducted in absentia. The convicted individuals include prominent figures such as YouTubers Adil Raja and Syed Akbar Hussain, along with journalists Wajahat Saeed Khan, Sabir Shakir, Shaheen Sehbai, commentator Haider Raza Mehdi, and analyst Moeed Pirzada.
None of the accused were present during the court proceedings, as they have been residing abroad for several years to evade arrest. The convictions stem from unrest that erupted in May 2023, when Khan’s supporters engaged in violent protests, targeting military facilities and government property in response to his brief detention in a corruption case. Since then, the Pakistani government and military have intensified efforts to suppress dissent, implementing anti-terrorism laws and military trials that have led to the prosecution of hundreds accused of incitement and assaults on state institutions.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has characterized these investigations as acts of retaliation against critical journalism. CPJ Asia programme coordinator Beh Lih Yi stated, “Authorities must immediately drop these investigations and cease the relentless intimidation and censorship of the media.”
In a statement to the Associated Press, journalist Sabir Shakir, who once hosted a popular programme on ARY TV before leaving Pakistan, expressed his awareness of the conviction. He claimed that he was not in the country at the time he was accused of inciting mob violence. “The ruling against me and others is nothing but a political victimisation,” Shakir told the news agency.
According to the court’s order, those convicted have the right to appeal within seven days. The court also instructed police to apprehend the individuals and transfer them to prison should they return to Pakistan. The situation highlights ongoing tensions in the country regarding freedom of expression and the treatment of dissenting voices in the wake of political upheaval.
