Two retired Pakistani army officers, Major (Retd) Adil Farooq Raja and Captain (Retd) Haider Raza Mehdi, have been convicted and sentenced for inciting sedition within military ranks, along with violations related to the Official Secrets Act. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed their sentencing through a Field General Court Martial (FGCM) under the Pakistan Army Act of 1952.
According to the ISPR statement released on Saturday, both Raja and Mehdi were found guilty of inciting sedition among army personnel, violating the Official Secrets Act of 1923 related to espionage, and acts deemed detrimental to the safety and interests of the State. The judicial process led to Raja being handed a 14-year rigorous imprisonment while Mehdi received a 12-year sentence. Their ranks were also forfeited on November 21.
The legal proceedings began earlier this year, with Raja facing charges on May 7, 2023, and formal action being initiated against him on June 18, 2023. Summonses were issued, and despite legal representation provided to both accused individuals, they were declared absconders by the court.
The court’s directions led to the seizure of their personal properties, freezing of bank accounts, cancellation of passports and CNICs, and their names being added to the Exit Control List (ECL).
The charges against Raja and Mehdi included sedition, defamation, crimes against the state, and incitement under various legal statutes including the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC 1860), Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA 2016), and Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA 1997).
The convictions were handed down by a court of competent jurisdiction on October 7 and 9, respectively, after due judicial process. The rigorous legal actions, culminating in their sentencing, highlight the military’s commitment to upholding discipline and safeguarding national security within its ranks.
