Pakistan Sentences Journalists to Life Imprisonment Over 2023 Riots

They spoke from safety abroad, but the gavel fell heavily in Islamabad. Pakistan's judiciary has handed down life imprisonment sentences to several high-profile journalists and commentators, convicting them of inciting violence during the 2023 unrest.

According to news agencies, an anti-terrorism court judge, Tahir Abbas Sipra, announced the verdict on Friday, January 2, 2026. The trials were held in absentia, as the accused—including prominent journalists Sabir Shakir and Moeed Pirzada—have been living overseas for years to avoid arrest.

The Aftermath of the May 2023 Riots and Legal Retaliation

The convictions stem from the chaotic events of May 9, 2023. Following the brief arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in a corruption case, his supporters allegedly attacked military installations and government property. Since then, the Pakistani government and military have been accused of a "sweeping crackdown" on the PTI party and dissenting voices.

The court's decision names former army officers turned YouTubers Adil Raja and Syed Akbar Hussain, alongside journalists like Shaheen Sehbai. Sabir Shakir told the Associated Press that the ruling is nothing but "political victimisation," asserting he wasn't even in the country when the violence occurred.

Media Freedom Under Siege in Pakistan

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has previously labeled these investigations as retaliation against critical reporting. Under the current order, those convicted have 7 days to file appeals. However, the court has also directed police to arrest them immediately should they return to Pakistan, effectively sealing their exile.