Pakistan court sentences journalists and commentators to life term over 2023 unrest

A Pakistani anti terrorism court has sentenced several journalists and social media commentators to life imprisonment in connection with the violent unrest that followed the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in May 2023.

The verdict was announced on Friday in Islamabad by Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra after trials were conducted in absentia. The accused were not present in court as they have been living abroad for several years.

Those convicted include former military officers turned online commentators Adil Raja and Syed Akbar Hussain, journalists Wajahat Saeed Khan, Sabir Shakir and Shaheen Sehbai, commentator Haider Raza Mehdi, and analyst Moeed Pirzada.

The cases relate to allegations that the accused incited violence during protests in which supporters of Imran Khan attacked military installations and government buildings following his brief arrest in a corruption case.

Since the unrest, authorities have used anti terrorism laws to pursue legal action against members of Khan’s party and critics, saying the measures are necessary to protect state institutions.

Rights groups and some journalists have criticised the prosecutions, describing them as retaliation for dissenting views. The convicted individuals have denied the allegations and called the verdict politically motivated.

Under the court order, the accused can appeal within seven days. Police have also been directed to arrest them if they return to Pakistan.