Pakistan - July 2025

On 31 July, the Faisalabad anti-terrorism court (ATC) sentenced at least 108 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members and opposition leaders to prison terms, with most receiving 10 years. The convictions stem from their alleged involvement in the 9 May 2023 protests and attacks on military installations following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. While the proceedings were conducted in civilian anti-terrorism courts (as opposed to military tribunals), rights experts and opposition leaders have condemned the trials as politically motivated, citing a lack of due process and transparency. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan criticised the mass sentencing and use of anti-terror laws to try civilians. Political analysts view the development as part of a broader trend to suppress dissent and weaken the opposition. PTI has said it would challenge the verdict. 

Sources: Dawn, ISAS Brief, Euronews, International IDEA