The defamation trial between retired Pakistani Brigadier Rashid Naseer and UK-based former army officer Adil Farooq Raja commenced at London’s Royal Courts of Justice on July 22, 2025.
Rashid Naseer Adil Raja’s trial is scheduled to run until July 24. The case centres on online statements by Raja that Naseer claims are defamatory and false. Raja, who operates a YouTube channel as a self-proclaimed whistleblower, faces accusations of spreading claims about corruption, electoral interference, judicial manipulation, and human rights abuses, all denied by Naseer.
Naseer appeared in person, while Raja joined via video link. Raja’s witnesses included former accountability chief Shehzad Akbar in person, as well as journalists Shaheen Sehbai and Syed Akbar Hussain, who appeared remotely from the US.
Brigadier (R) Rashid Naseer defamation case against Adil Raja at UK High Court. Outside ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/pFCB0EpL3E
— Murtaza Ali Shah (@MurtazaViews) July 21, 2025Naseer’s Testimony on Personal Impact
Naseer testified about severe repercussions from Raja’s publications: “False lies were spread about me, posing dangers to me and my family.” He described threats to his life, harassment, abuse, and privacy breaches. Naseer altered his children’s education plans, sending them to the US instead of UK universities due to safety fears. “My daughter had an offer from King’s College London and so did my son from another UK university, but I was concerned after what Adil Raja did to me,” he stated.
رائل کورٹ اف جسٹس شیایان علی کس کو سپورٹ کرنے آیا ؟
سب بتا دیا pic.twitter.com/5RhJGIFmFE
— Safina Khan (@SafinaKhann) July 21, 2025During cross-examination by Simon Harding, Raja’s counsel, Naseer addressed “serious harm” claims. He mentioned that calls from UK contacts had alarmed them by the posts, but withheld details to protect them from further threats. Naseer linked an assassination attempt to Raja’s influence: “One of the persons who attempted to assassinate me was a follower of Adil Raja. He was arrested and confirmed he was inspired by Adil Raja’s publications about me, and he wanted to kill me.”
Raja’s Defence and Court Focus
The judge sought evidence to support Raja’s claims, including allegations of interference in the 2024 election. The court examines whether statements qualify as facts, opinions, or fake news, and whether they meet UK defences, such as truth or public interest.
Raja alleged witness intimidation in Pakistan during pre-trial hearings, leading to protective measures like remote testimony.
Filed in August 2022 in the King’s Bench Division, the case progressed after a 2024 ruling deemed nine of ten statements defamatory under English law. Raja’s strike-out attempt failed. He paid over £16,000 in security costs and legal fees in April 2025, plus an additional £6,100 in May due to delays.
