Former Pakistan Army Major (retired) Adil Raja testified via video link at the London High Court, defending his allegations against Brigadier (retired) Rashid Naseer as being in the public interest. The third day of the defamation trial, initiated by Naseer, focused on nine publications Raja made in June 2022.
Deputy Judge Richard Spearman KC emphasised: “This case is about two individuals, not the ISI, military, or Pakistani politics.” Raja withdrew his truth defence, relying solely on public interest.
Raja’s Testimony and Cross-Examination
Raja, cross-examined by Naseer’s counsel David Lemer and Raja’s lawyer Simon Harding, maintained that his allegations covering election manipulation and other claims came from verified, high-ranking government and intelligence sources. He told the court: “I cross-checked everything before publishing. My sources are credible, and my publications serve the public interest.”
When pressed on evidence, Raja admitted lacking documentary proof but showed two notebooks, claiming they contained source records. However, he had no specific notes for the June 2022 posts. Raja explained: “My sources in Pakistan and the UK pass information through layers to protect them from harassment or abduction.”
Judge Spearman clarified: “The case cannot be won by discussing the big picture of Pakistani politics.” He pressed Raja on verification methods, questioning the absence of written records. Raja insisted that his credibility stems from the reliability of his sources, stating, “That’s why people listen to me and support my crowdfunding.”
Read: Rashid Naseer vs Adil Raja Defamation Trial: UK Court Hears Opening Arguments on Allegations
Lemer challenged Raja’s claims, including assertions that the ISI targeted him for assassination. Raja cited threats but conceded no direct ISI link in UK police reports. He also referenced the Arshad Sharif murder report, claiming it implicated ISI affiliates, though Lemer noted no explicit mention. Raja stood firm: “What I reported is based on ground realities.”
Raja admitted to not contacting Naseer before publishing, citing his unapproachability, and stated that the ISPR did not respond to his inquiries.
Adil Raja Vs Rashid Nasir Case Background
Naseer sues Raja over nine publications alleging election rigging and other misconduct. In April 2024, the court ruled that these statements were defamatory under UK law. Raja, based in the UK since April 2022, relies on public interest, with the trial concluding today.
The case highlights tensions between free speech and defamation in digital media. Raja’s reliance on anonymous sources tests UK legal standards for public interest defences. Raja defends his claims as vital for public awareness, but lacks concrete evidence to support them. The trial’s outcome could influence online journalism standards.
*Additional news coverage for this story was sourced from Geo News.
