Pakistan escalates in absentia convictions against overseas journalists

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 19 January 2026 |  JP Global Monitoring Desk

Since late 2025 Pakistan has intensified use of in absentia convictions and arrest warrants against journalists living abroad, targeting coverage of 2023 unrest and alleged anti-state activity. Rights groups warn the measures threaten press freedom.

Summary

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s government has intensified the use of in absentia convictions and arrest warrants against journalists living abroad, reflecting an expanding crackdown on critical reporting and commentary under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Since late 2025, authorities have targeted foreign-based journalists in connection with coverage of political unrest and alleged anti-state activities, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Convictions in absentia raise international concern

In early January, four overseas-based Pakistani journalists and commentators were convicted on the same day for their reporting on violent protests in May 2023, which followed the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in a corruption case. The government alleges that Khan and his supporters incited the protests, during which demonstrators attacked military and government buildings. Authorities also issued an arrest warrant in December for another exiled journalist accused of spreading propaganda about Pakistan’s army.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on December 1 a wide-ranging crackdown on social media users, YouTubers, and journalists spreading “fake news,” warning that those overseas would be brought back to face charges.

Details of the sentenced journalists and charges

CPJ documented that on January 2, an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad sentenced four journalists in absentia to two life sentences each, plus 35 years and substantial fines, for allegedly inciting violence and spreading hatred against state institutions. The court charged the journalists under Pakistan’s Penal Code and the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997.

The convicted journalists are Sabir Shakir, a former ARY News anchor and U.K.-based YouTuber with 2.8 million subscribers; Shaheen Sehbai, U.S.-based freelance journalist and former editor of The News International; Wajahat Saeed Khan, U.S.-based journalist with a YouTube channel of 544,000 subscribers; and Moeed Pirzada, British-Pakistani journalist and U.S.-based editor for Global Village Space.

In absentia rulings violate legal norms

In a joint statement on January 6, the journalists and co-accused rejected the verdicts, saying they were never formally notified, served with summons, informed of hearings, or given access to evidence. CPJ noted that such convictions are inconsistent with Pakistan’s constitution and its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Sehbai said he only learned of the ruling from media reports and described it as an intimidation tactic. His Pakistani passport and official documents were canceled. Shakir reported that his and his wife’s documents and bank accounts were frozen, and he received offers from individuals linked to the army to drop charges if he ceased critical reporting.

Ongoing harassment of exiled journalists

Ahmad Noorani, co-founder of investigative news site FactFocus, received an arrest warrant in early December for allegedly spreading propaganda against the army. Noorani said he was unaware of the case and faces restrictions on traveling to countries with close ties to Pakistan due to the risk of detention.

Noorani’s family has also faced harassment, including the abduction of his two brothers in March 2025, bank account freezes, and job losses. Multiple additional cases against Noorani appear connected to his reporting on alleged army interference in civilian institutions and corruption by senior officers.

Interior Minister Naqvi and National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency Director Syed Khurram Ali did not respond to CPJ requests for comment.

ATTRIBUTION: Reporting by the Committee to Protect Journalists, based on interviews with affected journalists, review of court filings, and publicly available news reports.

PHOTO: StartupStockPhotos from Pixabay

KEY POINTS:

• Authorities have increasingly used in absentia convictions and arrest warrants to target journalists living abroad since late 2025.
• On Jan 2, a court sentenced four journalists to two life terms each plus 35 years and fines over alleged incitement related to May 2023 protests.
• An arrest warrant was issued in December for another exiled journalist accused of spreading propaganda about the military.
• The government has warned that social media users, YouTubers, and journalists, including those overseas, will be pursued to face charges.
• Rights groups, including the CPJ, say the measures raise international concern and pose a significant threat to press freedom and dissent.