The federal government of Pakistan has officially initiated a high-profile effort to bring back two prominent figures from the United Kingdom. On Thursday, authorities submitted a formal request for the extradition of former adviser to the prime minister, Shahzad Akbar, and YouTuber and former army officer, Adil Raja.
Diplomatic Push in Islamabad
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi personally handed over the extradition documents to British High Commissioner Jane Marriott during what was described as an "important meeting" in Islamabad. The Ministry of Interior confirmed the development in an official statement, noting that Secretary Interior Muhammad Khurram Agha and other senior officials were also present.
The minister emphasized that both individuals are wanted in Pakistan and should be repatriated immediately. This action follows Naqvi's announcement just three days prior, where he declared the government's intent to repatriate from the UK those YouTubers allegedly involved in spreading fake news and targeting state institutions.
Legal Hurdles and Political Dimensions
The government's move faces significant practical challenges. No bilateral extradition treaty exists between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. Furthermore, UK law and policy typically prohibit extraditions deemed political in nature or those that raise human rights concerns. Both Akbar and Raja currently live in self-exile in the UK, where Akbar runs a YouTube channel commenting on Pakistani politics.
During the meeting, discussions also covered broader Pakistan-UK relations, security cooperation, and the return of Pakistanis residing illegally in Britain. Minister Naqvi was quoted stating, "While Pakistan fully respects freedom of expression, fake news remains a challenge for every country." He asserted that no country could allow its citizens abroad to malign the state and its institutions and welcomed British cooperation on the matter.
Accused's Rejection and Allegations of Repression
Reacting swiftly to the news, Shahzad Akbar took to social media platform X to condemn the move. He suggested the extradition request was a direct retaliation for his publications and commentary on human rights abuses, authoritarianism, and military appointments in Pakistan.
In a post tagging High Commissioner Marriott and the UK's Foreign Office, Akbar made serious allegations, claiming, "the worst forms of retaliation have already been used against me, including the abduction of my family members in Pakistan and an acid attack against me here in the UK." He framed these incidents as part of a pattern of "transnational repression" and expressed trust that UK authorities would uphold due process and human rights obligations.
The Ministry of Interior confirmed that, in parallel with the diplomatic request, the extradition process for both individuals has also been initiated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marking a multi-pronged approach by the state.
