Archive · 3 Jan 2026
Pakistan Court Sentences Eight to Life for Pro-Khan Content
A court in Pakistan has sentenced eight journalists and social media commentators to life in prison.
They were found guilty of terrorism-related offenses because of things they posted online.
These posts were in support of Imran Khan, a former prime minister who is now in jail.
The court said their actions caused fear and unrest.
Most of the people sentenced are not in Pakistan and did not attend the trial.
The sentences are very serious and include extra jail time and fines.
A higher court still needs to confirm these sentences.
Many people think this is unfair and are asking the government to stop punishing journalists.
Eight journalists and social media commentators were sentenced to life imprisonment in absentia for terrorism-related offenses linked to online activity supporting jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.
The convictions stem from cases registered after violent protests on May 9, 2023, when Khan’s supporters attacked military installations following his brief arrest.
The court ruled that the accused actions fell within the ambit of terrorism under Pakistani law, promoting fear and unrest in society.
Most of those convicted are believed to be outside Pakistan and did not appear during the proceedings.
The sentences include additional prison terms and fines, with confirmation pending by the Islamabad High Court.
- Who
- Eight journalists and social media commentators, including former army 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.
- What
- Sentenced to life imprisonment in absentia for terrorism-related offenses linked to online activity in support of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.
- When
- January 2, 2024, with offenses related to protests on May 9, 2023.
- Where
- Pakistan, with the court case heard in an anti-terrorism court.
- Why
- For actions deemed to fall within the ambit of terrorism under Pakistani law, promoting fear and unrest in society.
- Date of Sentencing
- January 2, 2024
- Number of Convicted
- Eight
- Offense
- Terrorism-related offenses linked to online activity
- Date of Protests
- May 9, 2023
- Court
- Anti-terrorism court
- Sentence
- Life imprisonment in absentia
- Additional Penalties
- Additional prison terms and fines
- Confirmation Pending
- Islamabad High Court
Sources
Pakistan court sentences journalists to life over links to protests after Imran Khan’s arrest
Pakistan court sentences journalists to life over links to protests after Imran Khan’s arrest
Pakistan court gives two life terms to journalists, YouTuber for ‘waging war’ in May 9 riots cases
8 Journalists, YouTubers Sentenced To Life By Pakistan Anti-Terror Court
May 9 riots: Pak’s anti-terrorism court hands life sentences to 7 persons, including journalists
Pakistan court sentences eight journalists, commentators to life in jail over pro-Imran Khan online content
