Pakistan court sentences journalists to life in prison over links to 2023 protests after Imran Khan's arrest

A Pakistani anti-terrorism court sentenced eight journalists and social media commentators to life imprisonment in absentia after convicting them of terrorism-related offences linked to online activity in support of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.

The convictions stem from cases registered after violent protests erupted in May 2023 and supporters attacked military installations following the arrest of Mr Khan in a graft case.

How Imran Khan's populism has divided Pakistan and put it on a knife's edge Pakistan's political crisis has worsened, stoking divisions in society, leading to extreme polarisation and the violent reactions we've seen this week.

Since then, the government and military have launched a sweeping crackdown on Mr Khan's party and dissenting voices, using anti-terrorism laws and military trials to prosecute hundreds accused of incitement and attacks on state institutions.

The convicted include 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, according to the court's decision.

In its ruling, the court said actions by the accused "fell within the ambit of terrorism" under Pakistani law and that their online material promoted "fear and unrest" in society.

Most of those convicted are believed to be outside Pakistan and did not appear during the proceedings, court documents showed.

In December of 2025, Mr Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were sentenced to 17 years' imprisonment each in a corruption case relating to luxury watches.

Imran Khan has been imprisoned since 2023 and is facing a series of cases he says are politically motivated. (Reuters: Akhtar Soomro)

The latest conviction adds to a series of legal troubles for Mr Khan, who has been behind bars since August 2023, currently serving a 14-year sentence in a separate land graft case.

He faces dozens of cases filed since he was ousted from office in 2022, ranging from corruption to anti-terrorism and state secrets charges.

Mr Khan has denied wrongdoing in all the cases, which his party says are politically motivated.

Supporters of Mr Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party chant slogans during a protest over concerns about their leader's health in November 2025. (Reuters: Akhtar Soomro)

In November, Mr Khan's sister said her father was in good physical health but was facing isolation and psychological strain in prison, after a supervised visit.

Saeed Khan, who lives in New York, said in a statement that he was "never served a summons, never notified of any proceedings, never contacted by the court."

"This ruling is not justice," he said.

" It is political theatre, conducted without due process, jurisdiction, or credibility. "

Reuters was unable to reach the other journalists, commentators or their lawyers for comment.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said in 2023 that the investigations amounted to retaliation against critical reporting.

Crackdown on Pakistan protests sees nearly 1,000 arrested Thousands of people demanding the release of the former prime minister marched on Islamabad before fleeing amid a crackdown by authorities.

"Authorities must immediately drop these investigations and cease the relentless intimidation and censorship of the media," CPJ Asia programme coordinator Beh Lih Yi said.

The court handed down life sentences along with additional prison terms and fines, ordering further jail time if the fines are not paid.

All sentences are subject to confirmation by the Islamabad High Court.

A former cricket star turned politician, Mr Khan remains one of Pakistan's most polarising figures, with his legal battles unfolding as the PTI remains sidelined from power.