ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan has formally requested the United Kingdom to hand over Adil Raja and Shehzad Akbar. They are sought by officials on charges such as disseminating false information and propaganda.
The appeal was presented in a discussion involving Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi and the British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott. They talked over matters concerning Pakistan-UK relations joint security efforts and the repatriation of Pakistani citizens unlawfully residing in the UK.
Mohsin Naqvi delivered the extradition papers for Adil Raja and Shehzad Akbar to the British High Commissioner. He stressed that both are sought after in Pakistan and must be returned without delay.
Adil Raja, a YouTuber faced rejection of his appeal in a UK court whereas Shehzad Akbar, previously serving as an assistant, to the Prime Minister has been labeled a fugitive.
The Interior Minister also presented proof against Pakistani nationals engaged in disseminating false information. He mentioned that although Pakistan supports freedom of speech fake news poses an issue, for all nations.
This move is seen as an important step in strengthening Pakistan’s efforts to combat misinformation and hold accountable those accused of damaging the country’s reputation abroad.
UK court fines YouTuber Adil Raja £350,000 for defamatory claims
On October 9, upon failure to produce evidence, a Court in London ordered YouTuber Adil Raja to pay £350,000 in the defamation case filed by retired Brigadier Rashid Nasir.
The London High Court ruling in favour of Brigadier (Retd) Rashid Naseer has declared all allegations made by Adil Raja as false, baseless, and malicious.
According to the court’s decision, the judge ordered Adil Raja to pay £350,000 (approximately Rs140 million) in damages to Brigadier (Retd) Rashid Naseer.
The case was filed in June 2022, after Adil Raja had levelled several false and provocative accusations against Brigadier (Retd) Naseer.
During the proceedings, the judge remarked on why Brigadier (retd) Rashid Naseer claimed only £50,000 in damages, when he should have demanded a much higher amount, as the allegations against him were of a very serious nature.
The court clarified that Raja could not present any evidence of the allegations made against the ISI in the murder of the late Arshad Sharif. Thus, the London High Court’s decision has once again given a clean chit to Pakistan’s ISI.
In his verdict, the judge dismissed Shahzad Akbar’s statement as unreliable.
ALSO READ: ‘Your security is our responsibility’: Mohsin Naqvi meets Sri Lankan Cricket team in Rawalpindi
