Chicago – January 03, 2026
An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad sentenced eight journalists, YouTubers, and former military officers to life imprisonment in absentia on January 2, 2026, for terrorism-related offenses tied to online support for jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The convictions relate to violent protests on May 9, 2023, when Khan’s supporters attacked military installations and government properties following his arrest on corruption charges.
The court ruled that the accused’s social media activity incited “fear and unrest” and fell under terrorism laws, amid a broader government and military crackdown on Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and critics.
Convicted individuals include journalists Shaheen Sehbai, Sabir Shakir, Wajahat Saeed Khan, and Moeed Pirzada; commentator Haider Raza Mehdi; and ex-army officers Adil Raja and Syed Akbar Hussain, most of whom are abroad and did not attend the trials.
Sabir Shakir called the verdict “political persecution,” denying incitement charges. The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the move as retaliation against critical reporting, urging authorities to halt media intimidation. Sentences include fines and extra jail time, pending Islamabad High Court confirmation; appeals can be filed within seven days.
