Two retired members of the Pakistan Army have been found guilty and handed sentences for "inciting sedition" under the Army Act and breaching the Official Secrets Act, as per a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), as reported by the media.
The military's media wing stated, "Major (Retired) Adil Farooq Raja and Captain (Retired) Haider Raza Mehdi, both former officers of the Pakistan Army, faced convictions and sentences through a Field General Court Martial (FGCM)."
The charges against the retired officers, outlined under the Pakistan Army Act of 1952, included inciting sedition among army personnel during the discharge of duties and violating provisions of the Official Secrets Act of 1923, related to espionage and actions prejudicial to the safety and interest of the state.
According to the statement, a court with jurisdiction convicted and pronounced judgment on both individuals on October 7 and October 9, 2023, following a thorough judicial process.
Major (retd) Raja received a sentence of 14 years of rigorous imprisonment, while Captain (retd) Mehdi was given 12 years of rigorous imprisonment, as reported by Geo News.
The ISPR further noted, "In accordance with the awarded sentence, both officers had their ranks forfeited on November 21, 2023."
It's worth mentioning that both of the court-martialled ex-servicemen currently reside outside of Pakistan.
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