ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army has handed down jail sentences to two of its former officers — Adil Farooq Raja and Haider Raza Mehdi — for inciting sedition among army personnel and committing espionage, according to an announcement made in a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Saturday.

The sentencing process was carried out under the Pakistan Army Act, 1952, and the Official Secrets Act, 1923, through a Field General Court Martial.

The ISPR’s statement detailed the judicial proceedings: “The court of competent jurisdiction convicted and adjudged both the individuals on the date of 7th and 9th October 2023, through due judicial process, with the punishments awarded as: Major (retired) Adil Farooq Raja awarded 14 years rigorous imprisonment. Captain (retired) Haider Raza Mehdi awarded 12 years rigorous imprisonment.”

Both the former officers have been notable for their criticism of the army’s leadership on various social media platforms. Following their conviction, they were officially stripped of their military ranks as of Nov 21, 2023.

Given that Raja and Mehdi are currently residing outside Pakistan, it remains uncertain if they will serve their sentences, unless they are extradited. Nevertheless, there are reports indicating that measures are being taken to seize their movable and immovable assets within Pakistan, freeze their bank accounts, and cancel their passports and CNICs.

While the ISPR statement did not directly link the convictions to the events of May 9, Raja and Mehdi were previously accused by the Islamabad police in June of playing a significant role in fomenting rebellion and inciting attacks on military installations during widespread protests that followed PTI leader Imran Khan’s arrest on that day.

The conviction underscores Pakistan Army’s emphasis on discipline and loyalty within its ranks, according to the statement.

Published in Dawn, November 26th, 2023