Islamabad — An anti-terrorism court in the federal capital has handed down double life sentences to YouTuber Adil Raja and six other individuals after convicting them of waging war against Pakistan and engaging in activities deemed hostile to the state.
The verdict was announced following the conclusion of a detailed trial in which prosecutors presented evidence alleging that the accused were involved in coordinated efforts to spread disinformation, incite unrest, and undermine national institutions through digital platforms and other means.
According to court proceedings, the convicts were found guilty of using online content to provoke hatred, destabilise public order, and target state authorities. The court ruled that the nature of the offences posed a serious threat to national security, warranting the maximum punishment under the law.
Charges and Court Findings
The anti-terrorism court noted that the accused had systematically disseminated material aimed at weakening public trust in state institutions. The prosecution argued that their actions went beyond free expression and constituted organised efforts to harm the country’s stability.
In addition to life imprisonment, the court also imposed fines on the convicts and ordered the confiscation of certain assets linked to the case. Legal representatives for the accused were present during the verdict announcement.
Legal and State Response
Officials described the ruling as a significant step in addressing the misuse of digital platforms for anti-state activities. Authorities reiterated that freedom of expression does not extend to actions that incite violence, promote disorder, or threaten national integrity.
The court stated that the sentences were intended to serve as a deterrent against similar offences and reaffirm the state’s resolve to protect its institutions from coordinated hostile campaigns.
The convicts retain the right to appeal the verdict in higher courts, according to legal procedure.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.