The Pakistan Army has convicted and sentenced two retired officers on charges of inciting sedition within army ranks, said a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Saturday. The two officers, Major (retd) Adil Farooq Raja and Captain (retired) Haider Raza Mehdi, were sentenced through Field General Court Martial (FGCM) under Pakistan Army Act, 1952. “Major (Retired) Adil Farooq Raja and Captain (Retired) Haider Raza Mehdi, both retired officers of Pakistan Army, were convicted and sentenced through Field General Court Martial (FGCM) under Pakistan Army Act, 1952 for the charges of inciting sedition among army personnel from discharge of duties and violation of the provisions of Official Secrets Act, 1923 related to espionage and acts prejudicial to the safety and interest of the State.” The statement added that the “court of competent jurisdiction convicted and adjudged” Raja and Mehdi on October 7 and 9 respectively through due judicial process. Raja was awarded 14 years of rigorous imprisonment while Mehdi was awarded 12 years of rigorous imprisonment. The military’s media wing further stated that the ranks of both officers were also forfeited on November 21. A case was registered against Raja on May 7, 2023, in Lahore’s Cantt police station. On June 18, 2023, formal action was taken against him and during the court martial proceedings, summons were first issued by the court on June 19, 2023. Raja received the summons through diplomatic channels and the second summons was issued on August 22, 2023, while 30 days time was given to appear before the court. Counsel was also provided to both the accused as per law. Raja and Haider were charged with sedition, defamation, crimes against the state, and incitement under the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC 1860), Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA 2016) and Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA 1997). Both individuals were subsequently declared absconders by the court. As per the directions of the court, the personal movable and immovable properties of both the accused were also seized. In addition, bank accounts of both were frozen, passports and CNICs were canceled and their names were also added to the Exit Control List (ECL).