The defamation trial between retired Pakistani Brigadier Rashid Naseer and UK-based former army officer Adil Farooq Raja continued at London’s High Court.
Naseer testified that Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and military bear no involvement in alleged kidnappings and torture. Cross-examined by Raja’s lawyer, Barrister Simon Harding, and his own counsel, David Lemer, Naseer emphasised his personal efforts to clear his name from Raja’s online accusations.
Deputy High Court Judge Richard Spearman KC clarified at the start of the day: “This case is about defamation of an individual and has nothing to do with Pakistan’s political situation or the military’s role.” He pressed Raja’s lawyer to admit no truth defence existed. Raja withdrew this defence, meaning he cannot claim the allegations are true. The only remaining defence is public interest.
Naseer stated, “I have served in the intelligence service for a long time, and I have never engaged in kidnapping, coercion, harassment, or torture. No one has ever asked me to do such things. Neither the ISI nor the military engages in threatening or kidnapping journalists.”
He added, “These days, some individuals find it fashionable to blame the ISI for everything. Several people, who haven’t visited Pakistan in nearly a decade, claim they face threats from the intelligence services.”
بریگیڈیئر (ر) راشد نصیر کا عدالت میں کہنا تھا کہ
پاکستان میں خطرے کا بہانہ صرف سیاسی فیشن ہے
“یہاں اس کورٹ روم میں بھی ایسے افراد موجود ہیں جنہیں پاکستان میں کبھی کوئی خطرہ نہیں تھا، لیکن جب ان کی حکومت ختم ہوئی تو وہ ملک چھوڑ کر برطانیہ آ گئے اور اب بطور فیشن یہ دعویٰ کرتے ہیں… pic.twitter.com/p3hUD87r2h
— Safina Khan (@SafinaKhann) July 22, 2025Naseer explained the personal consequences: “People spread false rumors about me, putting both me and my family in danger.” Concerned for their safety, he decided to send his children to universities in the US rather than the UK. “My daughter received an offer from King’s College London, and my son from another UK university, but I acted out of caution after what Adil Raja did to me.”
During cross-examination, Naseer declined to share details of his UK phone calls, citing the need to protect his contacts. He also linked an assassination attempt to Adil Raja’s influence. “Authorities arrested one individual who tried to assassinate me. The assailant admitted he saw Adil Raja’s tweets claiming I rigged elections in 2024,” Naseer said.
Read: Rashid Naseer vs Adil Raja Defamation Trial: UK Court Hears Opening Arguments on Allegations
Naseer clarified: “My case is not about silencing critics. Adil Raja became a journalist as a cover because you can get away with a lot when you are a journalist. This is my personal endeavour to clear my name.”
Filed in August 2022, the case involves nine publications from June 2022, in which Raja allegedly defamed Naseer without providing evidence. In April 2024, Judge Spearman ruled them defamatory under UK law, including claims Naseer controlled Lahore High Court, met Asif Ali Zardari for election manipulation, and abused positions for political interference.
Naseer denies all allegations. Raja, living in the UK since April 2022, faces Naseer’s team: Counsel David Lemer of Doughty Street Chambers and solicitors Ushrat Sultana and Sadia Qureshi of Stone White. Raja’s representation: Counsel Simon Harding of Gunnercooke LLP.
Pre-trial, Raja alleged witness intimidation in Pakistan, leading to protective measures like remote testimony.
Witnesses and Court Proceedings
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.
The judge seeks evidence to support Raja’s claims, such as allegations of 2024 election interference. The trial examines whether statements are facts, opinions, or fake news, and whether they meet UK defences, such as public interest.
Naseer’s testimony rejects ISI involvement while detailing personal harm. This high-profile case, set to conclude July 24, could impact discussions on free speech and accountability in Pakistan’s context.
*Additional news coverage for this story was sourced from Geo News.
