Islamabad, Jan 8 (NationPress) A prominent global human rights organization has criticized the convictions and harsh prison sentences handed down in absentia by an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Pakistan to a group of Pakistani journalists and political commentators living abroad.

This statement followed the ATC's ruling on January 2, which sentenced YouTuber Adil Raja, former military official Syed Akbar Hussain, and journalists Wajahat Saeed Khan, Sabir Shakir, Moeed Pirzada, Shaheen Sehbai, and Haider Mehdi to double life sentences in cases associated with “digital terrorism”.

The charges are reportedly based on accusations that these individuals used online platforms to incite and facilitate attacks against state institutions amid the unrest on May 9, 2023, following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The International Human Rights Foundation (IHRF) has expressed that those implicated by the Pakistani court were not informed of charges or proceedings, were denied access to evidence, and were not given a fair chance to defend themselves.

“Such actions create serious concerns regarding due process, judicial independence, and adherence to Pakistan's constitutional protections and international human rights obligations, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR),” stated the IHRF.

The rights organization highlighted that the proceedings against the journalists and commentators occurred amid rising global concern over recent constitutional changes in Pakistan, which threaten to undermine democratic governance and fundamental freedoms.

The IHRF referenced remarks from UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, who cautioned that Pakistan's hastily introduced 26th constitutional amendment significantly jeopardizes judicial independence and raises issues regarding military accountability and the rule of law.

Similarly, the International Commission of Jurists has labeled Pakistan's 26th Constitutional Amendment as a “blow to judicial independence and the rule of law,” highlighting its potential to increase political influence over judicial appointments.

The IHRF further noted that various media reports have pointed out additional constitutional measures that critics believe restrict the Pakistani Supreme Court's constitutional authority, while extending military power and immunity—developments that heighten concerns over institutional checks and balances.

The organization asserted that employing counterterrorism frameworks against journalists and dissenting voices—especially those in exile—reflects a broader and worrying pattern of judicial harassment and transnational repression.

“Legal proceedings conducted without transparency or basic procedural rights cannot be seen as legitimate adjudication and may be misused to intimidate critics beyond national borders,” it added.

The rights group urged the international community, including press freedom organizations and relevant UN entities, to closely monitor these events in Pakistan and intervene when necessary to safeguard journalists facing politically motivated persecution.