An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad has sentenced several individuals to multiple life terms for their involvement in digital terrorism against state institutions, linked to the May 9 incidents.
The court handed down two life sentences each to Adil Raja, Haider Mehdi, and Wajahat Saeed. Similar sentences were also awarded to Sabir Shakir and Moeed Pirzada. In addition to the life terms, the convicts received a combined 35 years in prison under other charges, and a total fine of 1.5 million rupees was imposed.
دیگر ملزمان میں حیدر مہندی، وجاہت سعید، صابر شاکر، معید پیرزادہ، سید اکبر حسین، شاہین صہبائی شامل، بھاری جرمانے بھی عائد
مزید پڑھیے: https://t.co/3auQnow2XB#AdilRaja #ExpressNews pic.twitter.com/AMEwv7sNPn
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The verdict follows the completion of a trial concerning online campaigns deemed hostile to state institutions, highlighting the judiciary’s approach toward curbing digital platforms used for anti-state activities.
Authorities emphasized that the rulings serve as a stern warning against the use of the internet to incite unrest or challenge national security, underlining Pakistan’s commitment to combating digital terrorism.
While Raja faces terrorism charges in Pakistan, he recently suffered a major legal blow in the UK courts.
In December 2025, a London High Court ordered Adil Raja to pay £350,000 (roughly 12.5 Crore PKR) in damages and legal costs.
The court ruled that Raja had defamed a retired Pakistani brigadier by making baseless allegations of corruption and electoral interference.
This ruling is being used by the Pakistani government to validate their stance that Raja’s “journalism” is actually a campaign of disinformation.
