Adil Raja ‘arrested’ in London; Sabir, Moeed booked on sedition charges

Ex-army man is reportedly arrested for conducting a provocative campaign against state institutions

YouTuber Major (retd) Adil Raja has reportedly been arrested in London for inciting hatred against state institutions, Express News reported on Wednesday.

According to sources, Raja was apprehended as he was conducting a provocative campaign against state institutions from the British capital. A case was also registered against the accused at Ramna police station in Islamabad on Tuesday.

They further said that Raja was arrested on charges of promoting extremism, spreading hatred, and disseminating anti-state propaganda through his vlogs.

The report of his arrest could not be independently verified, but according to media reports, his lawyer said that Raja could not be contacted as his phone was switched off.

Raja, who is known for his pro-PTI stance, had moved to London last year following reports that he had gone “missing” from Islamabad.

Without denying reports of his arrest, Raja took to Twitter and said: “There have been many rumours about me and my welfare. Alhamdullilah, I am well.”

Raja said that he will fully remain committed to raising voice against fascism and for democracy in Pakistan. “I will continue to advocate people's democratic right to peaceful protest as the only way to bring about real change. A sea of peaceful protesters can achieve the change, which violent protest cannot as violence can only be counterproductive,” he added.

There have been many rumours about me and my welfare. Alhamdullilah, I am well.
I remain fully committed to raising a voice against fascism and for democracy in Pakistan.
I will continue to advocate people's democratic right to peaceful protest as the only way to bring about…

— Adil Raja (@soldierspeaks) June 14, 2023

He also said that the only way forward for Pakistan to bring political and economic stability, which every Pakistani, regardless of political affiliation desires, is through free and fair elections and “uninterrupted” democracy.

He said that all institutions working “within their powers”, as mandated by the Constitution, are vital for the success of Pakistan. “Criticism of individuals should never be allowed to undermine the institutions,” he maintained.

“I am humbled by all the prayers, concerns, and good wishes sent my way. My thoughts and prayers are always with each and every Pakistani who wants a better and peaceful future in our beautiful land,” he concluded.

Read more: 'Missing' retired military officer 'safely' reaches family in London

Meanwhile, a case has been registered in the federal capital against four individuals, including prominent journalists Sabir Shakir and Moeed Pirzada, for sedition and terrorism.

Citizen Majid Mahmood filed the case at Abpara police station in Islamabad, accusing Shakir, Pirzada, Mohiuddin and Syed Akbar Hussain of inciting attacks on military installations through video messages on May 9.

According to the complainant, on May 9, a group of 15 to 20 people were inciting people for terrorism using the video messages of the suspects. He said that the protesters were taking instructions from Shakir, Pirzada, and others to spread terrorism.

The complainant said that the suspects intended to carry out attacks on military installations and spread terrorism and propaganda within the country. He said that the suspects, residing in foreign countries, were acting as agents of hostile agencies against Pakistan.

The complainant further alleged that the suspects aimed to instigate rebellion among military personnel and undermine the strength of the armed forces, ultimately fostering terrorism within the nation.