Pakistan submits extradition requests for Shehzad Akbar, Adil Raja to UK

The Government of Pakistan has submitted extradition documents for Shehzad Akbar and Adil Raja to the British High Commissioner, requesting their immediate return. “These individuals are wanted in Pakistan and should be handed over without delay,” Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated.

Shehzad Akbar, a member of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and served as an advisor to the now-incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Adil Raja is a YouTuber and a former Pakistan Army officer, retired Major, who has been accused by the State of anti-state propaganda.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held an important meeting with British High Commissioner Jane Marriott on Thursday, during which the two sides discussed Pakistan-UK relations, security cooperation, and matters of mutual interest.

Read: Interior minister vows massive action on social media, terms 90% of online news 'fake'

The Ministry of Interior, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has initiated the extradition process. Naqvi welcomed British cooperation in the return of those spreading anti-Pakistan propaganda.

The interior minister also presented solid evidence against Pakistani citizens involved in propaganda abroad. “I fully support freedom of expression, but fake news is a problem for every country,” he said. “No country can allow its citizens to malign or defame the state and its institutions from abroad,” he added.

Federal Secretary Interior Muhammad Khurram Agha and other relevant officials were also present in the meeting.