Adil Raja
Native name	عادل راجہ
Born	(1978-11-15) 15 November 1978 Nowshera, KPK, Pakistan
Allegiance	Pakistan
Service/branch	Pakistan Army
Years of service	1999-2017
Rank	Major
Known for	Served in the Pakistan Army Columnist for The Nation Land provider for DHA YouTube channel on Pakistani politics
Alma mater	Pakistan Military Academy University of Peshawar Quaid-i-Azam University
Relations	Umar Farooq Raja (father)
Other work	Geopolitical commentator and security analyst
Website	soldierspeaks.org

Adil Raja (born November 1978 in Nowshera) is a Pakistani political commentator, geopolitical and security analyst, and a former Pakistan Army officer. He comes from a family with a strong military background and brings over 19 years of experience from his military service, where he served in various roles. Raja had a YouTube channel with over 630,000 subscribers where he shared his thoughts on Pakistani politics, but it was banned in June 2023.^[1][2]

Early Life/Education

Adil Raja pursued his early education at Islamabad Model College for Boys F-7/3, where he attended from 1984 to 1996. During his time at the institution, he completed his pre-engineering studies, hence, laying the foundation for his academic journey.^[3]

Adil Raja undertook higher education in International Relations as a private student at Peshawar University, where he earned his master's degree from 2006 to 2008. Notably, he completed this academic endeavor while holding a position within the Pakistan Army .^[4]

In 2013, Raja enrolled in an M.Phil. program and finished courses during the initial two semesters. However, his academic progress was halted due to operational commitments.^[5]

Military career

After joining the Pakistan Army, Raja, who was enrolled at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakul, graduated with the 99th PMA Long Course in 1999 and was commissioned on August 1, 1999, in the 18th Horse Regiment located in Nowshera Cantonment, KPK.^[6]

His extensive career includes roles in combat operations, field security assignments, political and security analysis, and providing consultancy on critical issues related to conflict management, political administration, intelligence-based anti-terrorist operations, and de-radicalization efforts.^[7]

Throughout his military service, Raja gained unique insights into the inner workings of Pakistan's deep state and its interactions with international partners. His aim during this period was to develop a deeper understanding of international relations, with a particular focus on the Middle East and Central Asia, as well as global strategies in these regions.^[8]

During his service, Adil gained valuable on-the-job experience in analyzing and addressing political and security issues, both in Pakistan in general and in the Afghanistan-Pakistan Tribal border region. As the wing commander of the Khyber Rifles of the Frontier Scouts, he played a pivotal role in facilitating coordination between Pakistani Security Forces and ISAF/US forces on security and political matters of mutual interest along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.^[9]

Raja created various online pages and websites related to current affairs and international relations.^[10] In 2010, he began writing a personal blog, a practice that was encouraged by the Army's high command at the time.^[11]

Adil also had direct encounters with the Afghan Taliban during this tenure, which allowed him to gain insights into how the Pakistani deep state, under General Pervez Musharraf, pursued a dual strategy with Western powers. He observed the consequences of this policy, including the incident at the Salala check post in 2011, which he believes was a retaliatory action by US forces.^[12]

Transition to civilian life and journalism

Adil Raja voluntarily resigned from the Pakistani Army in 2017, and his fifth resignation letter was accepted. He retired from the Army with full honors and received awards in recognition of his service. Following his military career, Raja transitioned into entrepreneurship and established a successful land acquisition company that engaged in partnerships with prominent real estate organizations, including the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) and Bahria Town.^[13] In addition to his business endeavors, he also emerged as a geopolitical analyst and columnist, providing regular commentary on regional affairs through various media channels such as The Nation ^[14] and other English daily newspapers.

Adil Raja chose to join the Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Society (PESS) voluntarily and took on the responsibility of setting up its media cell. He was appointed as the Spokesperson for the organization, where he effectively represented the concerns of the veterans' community. During his involvement with PESS, Raja also contributed as a columnist and appeared on talk shows, where he shared his perspectives on counter-narratives that were seen as unfavorable to Pakistan.^[15]

Forced exile and persecution

In April 2022, Adil Raja confronted a significant decision in the midst of the alleged Regime Change Operation. He had to choose between aligning with certain groups and advocating for their cause, which carried potential personal consequences, or pursuing an alternative path involving resistance, despite expected challenges and sacrifices. He made the decision to leave Pakistan and continue his efforts from the United Kingdom where his family resided.^[16]

In his absence, legal cases were filed against him, leading to the confiscation of his assets in Pakistan and the freezing of his bank accounts. These actions were part of broader measures taken by elements within the Pakistani deep state, primarily in response to his role as a whistle-blower. Despite the personal challenges he faced, Raja remained committed to upholding principles such as freedom of speech and constitutional supremacy in Pakistan.

Adil Raja faced a dramatic development on November 25, 2023, as he was court-martialed under the Pakistan Army Act, 1952 and sentenced to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment in Pakistan, according to ISPR reports.^[17] Raja contends that the court-martial was conducted without informing him of the trial or allowing him to defend himself, asserting the illegality of the entire process.^[18] Despite the sentencing, he vigorously rejects the decision, emphasizing constitutional violations and the impossibility of his reinstatement in the Army due to the forfeiture of his pension and benefits in 2022.^[19]

In response to the court-martial, Adil Raja issued a firm statement, denouncing it as a product of what he calls a "Kangaroo Court'' in the "Banana Republic of Pakistan." He asserts his fundamental right to defend himself and criticizes the military junta's actions as a violation of democratic principles. The unfolding events add a new chapter to his narrative of resistance against alleged injustices perpetrated by elements within the Pakistani deep state.^[20]

Adil Raja's ongoing dedication is evident in his work to increase international awareness about human rights concerns and advocate for genuine democracy in Pakistan, even in the face of legal persecution.

Personal life and impact on family

Adil Raja's life and his advocacy for democratic values in Pakistan have had a profound impact on his personal life and family. His commitment to these principles has come with consequences, particularly for his family members.

In pursuing his ideals, Raja's family, including his mother, wife, children, and siblings, has faced adversity and harassment. They have experienced the challenges that can arise when a family member takes a vocal stance on issues related to democracy and human rights. His mother, in particular, has lived under constant surveillance and has been unable to leave the country or communicate freely, including with Adil himself.

He currently resides in London where he continues to create content for his online audience.^[21] In June 2023 he was taken into custody by Scotland Yard in Luton for reportedly inciting hatred against state institutions. However, he was released a few hours later by the British police.^[22][23]

See also

• Haider Mehdi
• Imran Khan

References