The federal government has formally begun extradition proceedings to bring back former special assistant to the prime minister Mirza Shahzad Akbar and retired Major Adil Raja from the United Kingdom, where both individuals currently reside while facing charges in Pakistan.
High-Level Diplomatic Engagement
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi raised the extradition matter during a meeting with UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott on December 4, 2025. During the discussion, Minister Naqvi addressed broader concerns regarding Pakistani nationals residing illegally in Britain.
Formal Extradition Request
Naqvi presented official extradition documentation to the British envoy, emphasizing that both individuals are wanted by Pakistani authorities and should be promptly returned to face legal proceedings.
“I fully believe in freedom of expression, but fake news is a problem for every country,” the Interior Minister stated, while also presenting evidence regarding Pakistani citizens abroad allegedly involved in spreading disinformation.
Government’s Position on Overseas Criticism
The security chief emphasized that no nation can tolerate defamation of state institutions from foreign territories. He expressed confidence that the UK would cooperate in extraditing individuals accused of conducting anti-Pakistan propaganda campaigns.
The Ministry of Interior has coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to process the extradition requests through proper diplomatic channels.
Shahzad Akbar: Background
Political Career and Departure
Shahzad Akbar, a barrister by profession, served as a close adviser to former Prime Minister Imran Khan, handling interior and accountability matters. He departed Pakistan in April 2022, shortly after the Khan government’s removal from power, and has remained in London since then.
Passport Renewal Denied
Last month, the Pakistan High Commission in London refused to renew Akbar’s passport, marking an escalation in Pakistan’s efforts to address his legal status abroad.
Exit Control List Controversy
Despite being placed on the Exit Control List (ECL), Akbar successfully left Pakistan after the Islamabad High Court ordered his removal from the restricted travel list, ruling that the ban lacked legal foundation.
Professional History
As head of the government’s Asset Recovery Unit (ARU) under the Khan administration, Akbar was considered Imran Khan’s primary anti-corruption official. His professional background includes serving as a special prosecutor with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) from 2004 to 2008, where he handled high-profile alleged corruption cases involving:
- Benazir Bhutto
- Asif Ali Zardari
- Shahbaz Sharif (current Prime Minister)
Adil Raja: Military Court Conviction
Social Media Activities
Retired Major Adil Raja, described as a fugitive YouTuber, has been accused of conducting anti-Pakistan activities through social media platforms while residing in the United Kingdom.
Military Court Proceedings
In 2023, Raja was convicted and sentenced through Field General Court Martial (FGCM) under the Pakistan Army Act of 1952. The charges included:
- Inciting sedition among military personnel
- Violations of the Official Secrets Act, 1923 related to espionage
- Acts prejudicial to state safety and national interest
The retired officer received his sentence despite being physically present in the UK during the military court proceedings.
