Pakistan_ The federal government has formally begun the extradition of Adil Raja, Shahzad Akbar from the United Kingdom after handing over official documents to British authorities.
The move came during Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s meeting with UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott in Islamabad, where he raised concerns about Pakistanis living abroad who are wanted in different cases by Pakistani law and enforcement authorities.
Naqvi said both individuals were “wanted in Pakistan” and should be returned without delay. He added that Pakistan respects freedom of expression, but no state can allow individuals overseas to spread slander, fake news, or targeted anti-state propaganda.
Government hands over extradition papers, seeks UK Cooperation
According to the Interior Ministry, the meeting covered Pak-UK ties, security cooperation and the issue of Pakistanis residing illegally in the UK. Senior officials, including the interior secretary, were also present.
Naqvi shared evidence against individuals allegedly running propaganda campaigns from abroad and asked for full cooperation.
The ministry confirmed that the official process for the extradition of Adil Raja, Shahzad Akbar has now been initiated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This development also follows Naqvi’s recent announcement of a nationwide crackdown on those spreading fake news.
Who are Shahzad Akbar and Adil Raja?
Shahzad Akbar, a former special assistant to the prime minister and ex-head of the Asset Recovery Unit, has been living in London since April 2022. His passport was recently not renewed by the Pakistan High Commission.
Shahzad Akbar, once a key figure in anti-corruption cases, now runs a YouTube channel discussing Pakistani politics.
Major (retd) Adil Raja, also based in the UK, was convicted in Pakistan under the Army Act and Official Secrets Act for inciting sedition and spreading anti-state content. A London court recently ordered him to pay £350,000 in damages for making false allegations.
Officials say Pakistan hopes the UK will assist in returning both men so they can face the legal process under Pakistan’s judicial system.