Islamabad court sentences journalists in digital terrorism case
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 2 January 2026 | JP Staff Report
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An Anti-Terrorism Court in Islamabad sentenced several journalists and YouTubers to life imprisonment over charges of digital terrorism. The accusations stem from online activities connected to unrest during May 9, 2023.Summary
ISLAMABAD — An Anti-Terrorism Court in Islamabad on Friday sentenced journalists Sabir Shakir, Wajahat Saeed, Shaheen Sehbai, and Moeed Pirzada, along with YouTubers Adil Raja and Haider Mehdi and other accused, to two life sentences each and substantial fines on charges of digital terrorism against state institutions.
The verdict was announced by Judge Tahir Abbas Supra after the completion of the trial. In addition to the life terms, the court awarded a cumulative 35 years of imprisonment under other legal provisions and imposed a collective fine of 1.5 million rupees on the convicted individuals.
Case background and charges
According to the court’s decision, the case relates to alleged digital terrorism carried out on May 9, 2023. Prosecutors argued that online content disseminated through various platforms sought to undermine state institutions, national security, and public order during the unrest that day.
The prosecution presented 24 witnesses during the trial. Court records show that the case was registered at Islamabad’s Aabpara and Ramna police stations under anti-terrorism laws applicable to offenses involving threats to state security.
Separate cases and trial proceedings
In the case registered at Aabpara Police Station, Sabir Shakir, Moeed Pirzada, and Syed Akbar Hussain were sentenced to life imprisonment. In the Ramna Police Station case, Shaheen Sehbai, Haider Mehdi, and Wajahat Saeed received life terms.
The court completed the proceedings in the absence of the accused, acting on a prosecution request. Under Pakistan’s anti-terrorism legislation, courts are permitted to conduct trials in absentia when legal conditions are met.
Representation and legal basis
Raja Naveed Hussain Kayani appeared on behalf of the prosecution, while Advocate Gulfam Ashraf Goraya represented the accused. Advocate Goraya was appointed by the court as defense counsel, according to the ruling.
The verdict adds to ongoing legal actions connected to the May 9, 2023, incidents and highlights the application of anti-terrorism statutes to online activity deemed threatening to state institutions, a development closely watched by legal and media observers.
ATTRIBUTION: Reporting based on court records and official judicial proceedings.
PHOTO: AI-generated; for illustrative purposes only
Key Points
- Islamabad ATC sentenced journalists and YouTubers to two life terms each.
- The case relates to alleged digital terrorism during the May 9, 2023, unrest.
- The court also imposed 35 years of additional imprisonment and a 1.5 million rupee fine.
- Prosecutors presented 24 witnesses during the trial.
- Proceedings were conducted in absentia under anti-terrorism laws.
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