Pakistan court hands multiple life sentences to digital activists in May 9 unrest case

An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan’s capital has sentenced several digital activists to multiple life terms and lengthy prison sentences for what prosecutors described as “digital terrorism” following the violent unrest of May 9.

The verdict was announced Friday by Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Tahir Abbas Supra after the conclusion of a trial linked to nationwide protests that erupted in 2023 after the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The court convicted Adil Raja, Haider Mehdi, Wajahat Saeed, Sabir Shakir and Moeed Pirzada, sentencing each to two life terms under separate counts of Pakistan’s anti-terrorism laws.

In addition to the life sentences, the court imposed a combined 35 years of rigorous imprisonment under other sections of the law. The judge also ordered the accused to pay a total fine of PKR 1.5 million.

What’s the case?

The prosecution said the case stemmed from events on May 9, when violent protests broke out across Pakistan following Khan’s arrest. Demonstrators targeted military installations and state buildings in several cities, prompting a sweeping crackdown by authorities.

Prosecutors accused the convicted individuals of inciting violence, spreading anti-state narratives and encouraging attacks on military and government institutions through digital platforms. Authorities described these actions as a form of “digital terrorism.”

The prosecution argued that online videos, commentary and other digital content produced by the accused played a significant role in provoking unrest and undermining national security during the protests.

Pakistan has increasingly cited social media activity and online commentary in cases linked to national security, particularly after the May 9 violence, which the government has described as an unprecedented challenge to state authority.

Case-wise convictions

The court issued separate rulings tied to different police cases.

In the Abpara police station case, 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 were convicted and sentenced under anti-terrorism provisions.

The trial was conducted in absentia after prosecutors said the accused were not present during proceedings. The court observed that under Pakistan’s anti-terrorism laws, trials can legally be completed even if the defendants are absent.

The prosecution presented testimony from 24 witnesses during the trial. Raja Naveed Hussain Kiyani appeared before the court on behalf of the prosecution.

Advocate Gulfam Ashraf Goraya represented the accused. The court formally appointed him as defense counsel in line with legal requirements, according to the ruling.

Court observations

In its written observations, the court said sufficient evidence had been produced to establish that the accused were involved in spreading material that fueled violence and targeted state institutions.

The court concluded that such actions fell within the scope of anti-terrorism legislation, particularly in the context of digital platforms being used to mobilize unrest.

The verdict marks one of the most significant judicial actions related to the May 9 incidents, particularly concerning the use of digital platforms in alleged anti-state activities.