Islamabad, Jan. 8 -- The International Human Rights Foundation (IHRF) has voiced serious concerns at the United Nations over recent court actions in Pakistan that it says threaten press freedom, judicial independence, and fundamental rights.

In a statement the IHRF said, "The International Human Rights Foundation (IHRF) expresses serious concern over the reported convictions and severe prison sentences issued in absentia by an Anti-Terrorism Court in Pakistan against a group of Pakistani journalists and political commentators: Adil Raja, Shaheen Sehbai, Dr. Moeed Pirzada, Syed Akbar Hussain, Wajahat Saeed Khan, Sabir Shakir and Syed Haider Raza Mehdi, who are currently residing abroad. According to credible information, those targeted we...