Ex-army officers Adil Raja, Haider Mehdi handed jail sentences following court martial: ISPR

Ex-army officers Adil Raja, and Haider Mehdi have been handed jail sentences following court martial for ‘inciting sedition’, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) notified on Saturday.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Major (Retired) Adil Farooq Raja and Captain (Retired) Haider Raza Mehdi, were convicted and sentenced through Field General Court Martial (FGCM) under the Pakistan Army Act, 1952 for the charges of inciting sedition among army personnel from the 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.

“Major (rtd) Raja was sentenced to “14 years rigorous punishment” while Captain (rtd) Mehdi was handed “12 years rigorous punishment”, ISPR said.

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

“Pursuant to the awarded sentence, the ranks of both officers have been forfeited on Nov 21, 2023,” the statement said.

However, convicted officers are based outside Pakistan at the moment, and were introduced to the public through social media.