Dawn calls life sentences for journalists an extreme move

JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 4 January 2026 | JP Staff Report

Dawn has criticized life sentences for journalists and YouTubers linked to May 9 commentary, calling the use of anti-terrorism laws disproportionate and harmful to press freedom.
Summary

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s leading English-language daily Dawn on Sunday strongly opposed life sentences handed to journalists and YouTubers currently outside the country, calling the move extreme and potentially damaging to press freedom and legitimate dissent.

In an editorial titled 'Extreme move,' the newspaper warned that by choosing the harshest possible legal path, authorities risk setting a precedent that could extend far beyond the individuals involved and undermine independent journalism.

Concerns over anti-terror laws and proportionality

The editorial followed verdicts by an Islamabad anti-terrorism court that awarded two life sentences each to YouTuber Adil Raja, journalists Wajahat Saeed Khan, Sabir Shakir, and Shaheen Sehbai, anchorperson Haider Raza Mehdi, analyst Moeed Pirzada, and former army official Akbar Hussain in cases linked to the riots of May 9, 2023.

Dawn acknowledged that commentary surrounding the May 9 events may have crossed several red lines, but argued that imposing life imprisonment for speech-related offenses, particularly after trials conducted in absentia and under broad anti-terrorism provisions, was disproportionate to the alleged conduct.

Selective accountability and legal alternatives

The paper noted that measured legal remedies were available to the state, including civil defamation proceedings or narrowly defined criminal charges where content was demonstrably false, malicious, or defamatory, without resorting to the most extreme legal instruments.

Dawn also pointed to what it described as selective accountability, observing that some of those now facing severe punishment were previously prominent supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party and had harshly targeted political opponents without attracting similar scrutiny at the time.

In its concluding assessment, the editorial said that while past political alignments and media conduct merit scrutiny, these factors do not lessen the seriousness of imposing life sentences on journalists and bloggers, warning that such actions weaken the moral authority of the state and deepen concerns about the future of free expression in Pakistan.

ATTRIBUTION: Based on reporting and editorial commentary published by Dawn

KEY POINTS:

Dawn's editorial criticized life sentences for journalists and YouTubers as an extreme measure
Islamabad anti-terrorism court awarded two life terms each in cases linked to the May 9 riots
The paper said trials in absentia and anti-terror laws were disproportionate for speech offenses
The editorial argued that civil defamation or limited charges were available alternatives
Dawn warned that selective accountability undermines the state’s moral authority