The Pakistan Army has court-martialed two of its former officers several years after their retirement, sentencing them to up to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment. Adil Raja, who was a major, and Raza Haider, a former captain, had their ranks forfeited under the court-martial decree.

They would no longer be attaching “major” and “captain” with their names.

The outcome of the court martial proceedings was announced on Saturday in a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan military.

“Major (Retired) Adil Farooq Raja and Captain (Retired) Haider Raza Mehdi, both retired officers of Pakistan Army, were convicted and sentenced through Field General Court Martial (FGCM) under Pakistan Army Act, 1952 for the charges of inciting sedition among army personnel from discharge of duties and violation of the provisions of Official Secrets Act, 1923 related to espionage and acts prejudicial to the safety and interest of the State,” the ISPR statement.

Major (retired) Adil Farooq Raja was awarded 14 years of rigorous imprisonment and Captain (retired) Haider Raza Mehdi was awarded 12 years of rigorous imprisonment, the ISPR said.

“Pursuant to the awarded sentence, the Ranks of both officers have been forfeited on 21 November 2023,” it added.

The court of competent jurisdiction convicted and adjudged both the individuals on October 7 and October 9, 2023, through due judicial process, the military said.

Read more

YouTuber Adil Raja arrested in London

Khurram Hameed Rokhri claims PTI Chief handled Adil Raja

Both living outside the country

Aaj News Islamabad Bureau Chief Tariq Chaudry says both the former officers are living outside the country and were engaged in propaganda against the state institutions. The military followed due legal process for acting against them, he said.

Adil Raja was reportedly living in London while Haider Raza Mehdi’s LinkedIn profile suggests he was based in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.

Commenting on the possibility of the two former officers being brought back to Pakistan, Chaudhry said that Pakistan has bilateral agreements with many countries and there could be background contacts with those jurisdictions.

Foul language

Some of the tweets made by the two former officers contained foul language against the current military leadership of the country.

Adil Raja went on to claim that officers in the military were facing ethnic and religious discrimination – something the Pakistan Army has never allowed in its history.

He seems to praise the Indian secret agency Raw for its terrorist attacks inside Pakistan.