Archive · 8 Jan 2026
Pakistan: Army Targets Journalists in Crackdown
In Pakistan, seven people, including four journalists and three former army officers, were sentenced to life in prison.
They were accused of spreading anti-army messages during protests in May 2023.
The trial happened without them being present, and they are all living outside of Pakistan.
The judges and courts in Pakistan are seen as being controlled by the army.
The army leader, Gen Asim Munir, is against Imran Khan, a former prime minister, and his supporters.
The journalists who were sentenced have been critical of the army.
Some people think the army is trying to silence critics.
Imran Khan is still popular in some parts of Pakistan, despite being in jail.
The army seems to be in control, but Imran Khan is still influential.
Seven individuals, including four journalists and three former army officers, were sentenced to life imprisonment in Pakistan for engaging in digital terrorism and anti-army sentiment.
The trial was conducted in absentia, with all accused individuals currently abroad.
The Pakistani judiciary is seen as influenced by the army, with decisions often aligning with the military's interests.
Gen Asim Munir, the current army chief, is targeting critics of the military establishment, particularly supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Imran Khan remains popular in certain regions of Pakistan, despite being imprisoned and facing legal challenges.
- Who
- Seven individuals, including four journalists and three former army officers, were sentenced to life imprisonment in Pakistan.
- What
- The Anti-Terrorism Court sentenced them for engaging in digital terrorism and spreading anti-army sentiment during the May 9, 2023 protests.
- When
- The sentencing took place on January 2, 2024.
- Where
- The trial was conducted in absentia, with all accused individuals currently abroad.
- Why
- The sentencing is seen as part of a broader crackdown by the Pakistani army, led by Gen Asim Munir, against critics of the military establishment.
- Key Figures
- Gen Asim Munir, Imran Khan, Shaheen Sehbai, Wajahat Saeed Khan, Sabir Shakir, Moeed Peerzada, Adil Raja, Haider Raza Mehdi, Akbar Hussain
- Date of Sentencing
- January 2, 2024
- Location of Trial
- Pakistan (in absentia)
- Charges
- Digital terrorism, anti-army sentiment
- Sentence
- Life imprisonment
- Current Status of Accused
- All seven are abroad
- Judiciary's Role
- Judiciary is seen as influenced by the army
- Imran Khan's Popularity
- Continues to be popular in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and sections of Punjab
