Pakistan’s federal cabinet has approved a summary imposing a ban on Adil Farooq Raja, declaring him a proscribed individual under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997.
According to a Cabinet Division notification issued on December 26, the decision was made under Section 11EE of the ATA. The summary, submitted by the Interior and Narcotics Control Division on December 23, was circulated in accordance with the Rules of Business, 1973, and subsequently approved by the cabinet.
The notification stated that the relevant authorities have been directed to submit an implementation report within seven days of receiving the decision, ensuring compliance with the cabinet’s directive.
Raja, who is currently based in the United Kingdom, was among two retired Pakistan Army officers convicted in 2023 under the Army Act and provisions of the Official Secrets Act. The convictions were linked to charges of inciting sedition.
Read: Adil Raja Publishes Defamation Judgment on UK High Court Orders
In a statement issued on November 25, 2023, Inter-Services Public Relations confirmed that Major (Retired) Adil Farooq Raja and Captain (Retired) Haider Raza Mehdi were tried through a Field General Court Martial following a due judicial process.
The military’s media wing said Raja was sentenced to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment, while Captain (Retired) Mehdi received a 12-year sentence. It added that, following the verdict, the ranks of both former officers were forfeited on November 21, 2023.
The latest decision to proscribe Raja under the Anti-Terrorism Act marks a further legal step by the government, reinforcing its stated policy of acting against individuals deemed to pose a threat to national security and public order.
