Archive · 4 Jan 2026
Pakistan Court Sentences Journalists to Life Imprisonment
A court in Pakistan has sentenced eight journalists and social media commentators to life in prison.
They were accused of supporting former Prime Minister Imran Khan during protests.
This has raised concerns about freedom of the press and freedom of speech in Pakistan.
One journalist, Sohrab Barkat, was detained at an airport and faced multiple charges.
The Human Rights Council of Pakistan is worried about the treatment of journalists and the use of anti-terrorism laws against them.
They want Barkat to be released and for the government to stop targeting journalists.
An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan sentenced eight journalists and social media commentators to life imprisonment for terrorism-linked offences related to supporting Imran Khan.
The case is linked to protests that began after Imran Khan's arrest on May 9, 2023, where PTI supporters targeted military installations.
Critics argue that using anti-terrorism laws against journalists risks criminalizing political speech and online dissent.
Journalist Sohrab Barkat was detained at Islamabad International Airport on November 26 and faced multiple charges despite no pending cases.
The Human Rights Council of Pakistan demands Barkat's release and an end to the targeting of journalists.
- Who
- Eight journalists and social media commentators, including Sohrab Barkat
- What
- Sentenced to life imprisonment for terrorism-linked offences
- When
- Protests began on May 9, 2023; Barkat detained on November 26
- Where
- Pakistan
- Why
- For online activity backing former Prime Minister Imran Khan and professional journalism
- Journalists Sentenced
- Eight journalists and social media commentators
- Charges
- Terrorism-linked offences related to online activity backing Imran Khan
- Date of Protests
- May 9, 2023
- Journalist Detained
- Sohrab Barkat
- Date of Detention
- November 26
- Organization Detained By
- Human Rights Council (HRC) of Pakistan
- Location of Detention
- Islamabad International Airport
- Reason for Detention
- Professional work as a journalist
