The federal government has initiated the formal extradition process for two prominent figures from the United Kingdom: former Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Mirza Shahzad Akbar and retired Major Adil Raja. Both individuals are wanted in Pakistan in separate legal cases.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the development following a meeting with UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott in Islamabad. During the discussions, Naqvi presented the extradition papers for the two individuals to the British envoy, stating they are “wanted in Pakistan” and “should be immediately handed over [to Pakistani authorities].”
The Interior Minister connected the extradition requests to broader concerns about disinformation. “I fully believe in freedom of expression, but fake news is a problem for every country,” Naqvi remarked. He presented evidence of Pakistani citizens abroad involved in spreading propaganda, asserting that “no country can allow slander and defamation of the state and institutions from abroad.” He expressed hope for the UK’s cooperation in the matter.
The Ministry of Interior has also commenced the extradition process through diplomatic channels via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mirza Shahzad Akbar, a barrister and former head of the Asset Recovery Unit under the Imran Khan government, left Pakistan in April 2022. Although his name was placed on the Exit Control List (ECL), the Islamabad High Court ordered its removal, ruling the ban unlawful. Last month, the Pakistan High Commission in London refused to renew his passport. Akbar previously served as a special prosecutor with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
Major (retd) Adil Raja, a YouTuber based in the UK, was tried in absentia under the Pakistan Army Act. In 2023, a Field General Court Martial convicted and sentenced him for inciting sedition among army personnel and violating the Official Secrets Act related to espionage and acts prejudicial to state safety.
 Adil Raja, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirms.){kind=link}