A Pakistani anti-terrorism court has sentenced eight prominent journalists and social media commentators to life imprisonment in absentia, convicting them of terrorism-related charges tied to their online support for imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan.
The cases date back to violent protests in May 2023, triggered by Mr Khan’s arrest in a corruption case, during which his supporters attacked military installations.
The ruling is part of a broader crackdown by the government and military on Mr Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and critical voices, with hundreds prosecuted under anti-terrorism laws and tried in military courts for alleged incitement and attacks on state institutions.
Those convicted include 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.
The court ruled that their online content amounted to terrorism under Pakistani law, stating it promoted “fear and unrest” in society.
Most of the accused are believed to be living abroad and did not participate in the proceedings, according to court documents.
Ongoing Legal Pressure on Imran Khan
The convictions come amid continuing legal challenges for Mr Khan, who has been jailed since August 2023 and is currently serving a 14-year sentence in a separate land corruption case.
In December 2025, Mr Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, each received 17-year prison terms in a corruption case involving luxury watches.
The former premier faces numerous other charges — ranging from graft to anti-terrorism and state secrets violations — filed since his 2022 ouster from power. Mr Khan and his party maintain that all cases are politically motivated.
In November, Mr Khan’s sister reported after a supervised prison visit that while his physical health was stable, he was enduring isolation and psychological strain.
Reaction from Convicted Journalist
New York-based journalist Wajahat Saeed Khan, one of those sentenced, denounced the verdict in a statement.
“I was never served a summons, never notified of any proceedings, never contacted by the court,” he said.
“This ruling is not justice. It is political theatre, conducted without due process, jurisdiction, or credibility.”
Reuters was unable to obtain comments from the other convicted individuals or their lawyers.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has previously criticised similar investigations as retaliation against critical reporting, urging authorities to drop the cases and end media intimidation.
The life sentences include additional prison terms and fines, with further jail time imposed if fines remain unpaid. All sentences require confirmation by the Islamabad High Court.
Once a celebrated cricket captain turned politician, Imran Khan remains a deeply divisive figure in Pakistan as his party continues to be marginalised from political power.
