On January 2, an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad awarded double life sentences to more than half a dozen journalists, analysts and YouTubers in cases linked to what the prosecution described as “digital terrorism against state institutions” during the unrest of May 9, 2023. The unrest erupted following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan and was marked by protests that led to the vandalism of government and military installations.
The verdict was announced by ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra against former army officer Adil Raja, YouTuber Haider Raza Mehdi, journalists Wajahat Saeed Khan, Sabir Shakir and Shaheen Sehbai, analyst Moeed Pirzada, and former army official Akbar Hussain. The prosecution alleged that the convicted individuals used online platforms to incite, facilitate and amplify attacks on state institutions during the unrest.
According to the court orders, the trials were concluded in absentia at the prosecution’s request under relevant anti-terrorism laws, as all accused were declared absconders. The cases against Adil Raja, Wajahat Saeed Khan, Shaheen Sehbai and Haider Raza Mehdi were registered at Ramna police station, while those against Sabir Shakir, Akbar Hussain and Moeed Pirzada were registered at Aabpara police station in the federal capital.
The court sentenced each convict to rigorous life imprisonment on two counts: waging or attempting to wage war against Pakistan under Section 121 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), and criminal conspiracy under Section 120-B of the PPC. Each was also fined Rs500,000 for the two life sentences.
In addition, the court awarded 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs200,000 under Section 121-A of the PPC, which deals with conspiracy to commit offences punishable under Section 121. Another 10-year rigorous imprisonment term and a Rs200,000 fine were imposed under Section 131 of the PPC for abetting mutiny or attempting to seduce members of the armed forces from their duty.
Under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, the convicts were further sentenced to three separate five-year rigorous imprisonment terms on charges including dissemination of material to incite hatred or glorify terrorism, abetment, and acts of terrorism. Fines of Rs200,000 were imposed for each of these offences. Collectively, the additional sentences amounted to 35 years’ rigorous imprisonment and cumulative fines of Rs1.5 million for each convict.
The court ordered that all sentences run concurrently and granted the benefit of Section 382-B of the Code of Criminal Procedure, allowing any period of detention to be counted towards the sentence. It also ruled that failure to pay any imposed fine would result in an additional six months’ imprisonment for each unpaid amount.
Each convict was informed of the right to file an appeal before the Islamabad High Court within seven days. The court directed the relevant station house officers to arrest the convicts upon their availability and commit them to jail to serve their sentences. All sentences remain subject to confirmation by the High Court.
During the trial, the prosecution presented 24 witnesses. The state was represented by Public Prosecutor Raja Naveed Hussain Kayani, while Advocate Gulfam Ashraf Goraiya appeared as defence counsel, having been appointed by the court. A detailed written judgement outlining the evidence and legal reasoning is yet to be issued.
The cases were registered in 2023 following the protests that erupted after Imran Khan’s arrest. Sabir Shakir, Moeed Pirzada and Akbar Hussain were booked on charges of sedition and terrorism for alleged involvement in violence and vandalism, while Shaheen Sehbai, Wajahat Saeed Khan, Adil Raja and Haider Raza Mehdi were charged with abetting mutiny and inciting attacks on military installations.
In response to the verdicts, the social media accounts of Wajahat Saeed Khan, Shaheen Sehbai, Moeed Pirzada and Akbar Hussain showed no activity up to the time of reporting. However, in separate posts, Sabir Shakir, Adil Raja and Haider Raza Mehdi commented on the sentencing.
