Pakistani military court sentences senior army officer to 14 years in jail for 'inciting sedition'

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) – A military court has sentenced a retired senior army officer to 14 years in jail for “inciting sedition among army personnel,” the army said on Tuesday.

Lieutenant Colonel retired Akbar Hussain was convicted and sentenced through Field General Court Martial (FGCM) under the Pakistan Army Act 1952 for inciting sedition among army personnel from discharge of duties, a statement from the military said.

Hussain is the third army officer convicted on sedition charges since October last.

“The court of competent jurisdiction adjudged him ‘guilty’ of the offence charged, through due judicial process and awarded the punishment of 14 years rigorous imprisonment on 10th May 2024. Pursuant to the awarded sentence, The rank of the officer has been forfeited on 26 July 2024,” the statement added.

Last October, a military court convicted two former military officers, Maj. Adil Farooq Raja and Captain Haider Raza Mehdi, for inciting sedition and violating the provisions of the Official Secrets Act relating to espionage and acts prejudicial to the safety and interest of the State.

The two former military officers were sentenced to 14 and 12 years in prison, respectively, as well as forfeiture of their ranks.

Although there were no details about Hussain's crime, Raja and Mehdi have been vocal on social media in support of imprisoned ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan. The two are currently living abroad, and Lt-Col Hussain is also not in the country.