In a landmark verdict, two retired officers of the Pakistan Army, Major Adil Farooq Raja and Captain Haider Raza Mehdi, have been convicted and sentenced by a Field General Court Martial (FGCM) under the Pakistan Army Act of 1952 for inciting sedition among army personnel and violating the Official Secrets Act of 1923 related to espionage and acts prejudicial to national security. Both the retired officers are known to be supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The court, following due judicial process, found both individuals guilty on October 7 and 9, 2023. The sentences handed down are as follows:
Major (Retired) Adil Farooq Raja: 14 years rigorous imprisonment
Captain (Retired) Haider Raza Mehdi: 12 years rigorous imprisonment
In accordance with the sentences, both officers were stripped of their ranks on November 21, 2023.
Both are currently living in abroad from where they were inciting public through social media.
Adil Raja is a retired major of the Pakistan Army, who becomes social media celebrity for some time. A staunch supporter of former prime minister Imran Khan and a ruthless critic of Pakistan’s military establishment, Adil Raja remained in London in recent times.
He graduated from the Pakistan Military Academy with a bachelor’s degree in general science, military science, and international relations. He earned his master’s degree from the University of Peshawar.
He reportedly fled Pakistan some time back, but his parents still live in Pakistan. He worked as a contractor for DHA Islamabad is currently associated with the US-based International Human Rights Foundation as its Pakistan representative.
Adil is known for being a war-wounded veteran with years of diverse experience, and is considered an expert in the field of security, politics and consultancy. He has a keen eye for current affairs and international relations. Being a popular blogger, he appears on media as a geopolitical and defence analyst.
November 24, 2023
Source: Pakistan Today