A significant legal battle is unfolding in the UK High Court, regarding a defamation lawsuit filed against Adil Raja, UK-based YouTuber and former Pakistan Army Major. The case has been filed by retired Brigadier Rashid Naseer, alleges a defamation campaign was waged against him, by Raja across various social media platforms and particularly his YouTube channel. Here is another twist, in this defamation case, former Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Accountability, Shahzad Akbar, has been named as a witness in Adil Raja’s defense.
Brigadier Rashid Naseer’s lawsuit contends that Adil Raja disseminated defamatory allegations against him, through his YouTube channel, and social media platforms i.e., Facebook, and X, formerly Twitter. The allegations against Adil Raja are severe, they accuse him of running a false derogatory campaign against Brigadier Rashid Naseer—baselessly accusing him of election manipulation, control over Lahore High Court, corruption and political interference. These accusations, were disseminated mainly through Adil Raja’s YouTube Channel.
The UK High Court has, made several rulings, and none of them favored Adil Raja. The court determined that nine out of ten of Adil Raja’s videos were defamatory. In light of these findings, he has been ordered to bear legal costs. These financial penalties highlight the serious nature with which defamation cases are dealt in the UK legal system. Despite these setbacks, Adil Raja’s legal team has reportedly continued to explore avenues for defense, they have even made attempts to have witnesses provide testimony remotely. The full trial for this defamation case is going to be held in late July 2025. The News reported:
“Deputy High Court Judge Mr Richard Spearman KC ruled that Adil Farooq Raja should pay £5,000 to the now retired Brigadier for the rejected application to stay the defamation trial and the judge also ordered Adil Raja to pay a further interim payment on account of costs in the sum of £5,000 for the failed security for costs application.”
A significant aspect of Raja’s defense strategy, and a point of controversy, involves his public fundraising efforts. Sources indicate that Adil Raja raised significant amount through the “GoFundMe” platform to contest the defamation case against him. However, he lost the case and was ordered to pay a significant fine to the petitioner, Brigadier Naseer. Claims have emerged suggesting that while Adil Raja did pay the court-imposed fines, he allegedly retained the remaining portion of the raised funds for personal use. Moreover, claims have been raised regarding the source of these heft donations
Adil Raja is now engaged in a renewed effort to raise funds via the “GoFundMe” app, with critics alleging he is exploiting his followers and extorting their money by convincing them of his innocence. These renewed fundraising appeals, coupled with the previous outcome, have raised questions about the transparency and utilization of the donations.
Source: Adil Raja/@soldierspeaks
Beyond the immediate legal battles, Adil Raja’s activities are also scrutinized for their broader implications—entailing efforts to malign Pakistan and actively seeking to weaken its armed forces. This assertion is supported by his reported appearances on Indian television channels, where he is accused of furthering anti-Pakistan agendas, intensifying concerns about the potential for individuals to become conduits for hostile narratives and destabilization efforts.
A crucial development connects this defamation case to prominent political figures in Pakistan i.e., Shahzad Akbar, a witness meant to testify in Court in later July. Adil Raja formally sought the Court’s permission for his witnesses—journalist Shaheen Sehbai, retired Colonel Akbar Hussain, and notably, former PTI accountability czar Mirza Shahzad Akbar—to give evidence remotely.
The inclusion of Shahzad Akbar as a potential witness is particularly significant. As he himself faces multiple serious allegations in Pakistan, including being declared a “Proclaimed Offender” in the NCA-Al Qadir Trust Case for alleged corrupt practices and in a fraud and embezzlement case–exclusively fabrication of cases to victimize businessman Umar Farooq Zahoor.
Source: Tribune
His association with Adil Raja as his witness in the defamation case, suggests a potential alignment of interests or shared narratives between individuals facing legal scrutiny.
The defamation case against Adil Raja, coupled with the controversies surrounding his fundraising and his alleged anti-Pakistan activities, highlights more complex issues, revealing the intertwined nature of legal battles, political narratives, and media influence. It shows that claims made online, especially involving public figures, can lead to serious and real legal consequences. The outcome of this case, and the testimony of its potential witnesses, including Shahzad Akbar, will undoubtedly be closely watched for its implications on accountability, and the political landscape.
