RAWALPINDI – In a significant legal decision, retired Lieutenant Colonel Akbar Hussain of the Pakistan Army has been found guilty of inciting sedition among army personnel. The verdict, delivered by a Field General Court Martial (FGCM) under the Pakistan Army Act, 1952, comes as a stern reminder of the military’s zero-tolerance policy towards actions undermining its discipline and integrity.
The court, operating with full judicial authority, pronounced Hussain guilty after a thorough legal process. As a result, he has been sentenced to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment, effective from May 10, 2024, as confirmed by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Additionally, his rank was officially forfeited on July 26, 2024, stripping him of his military honors and privileges.
This case isn’t isolated. The Pakistan Army has been vigilant in addressing similar offenses to maintain its strict code of conduct. Previously, two other officers, Major (Retired) Adil Farooq Raja and Captain (Retired) Haider Raza Mehdi, faced similar charges. Both were convicted for inciting sedition and violating the Official Secrets Act, 1923, which deals with espionage and activities detrimental to state security.
Raja and Mehdi’s convictions were delivered on October 7 and October 9, 2023, respectively. Raja received a 14-year sentence, while Mehdi was sentenced to 12 years of rigorous imprisonment. Both lost their ranks as of November 21, 2023, underscoring the military’s commitment to upholding its standards and safeguarding national interests.
The severity of these sentences highlights the seriousness with which the Pakistan Army treats breaches of discipline and national security. The message is clear: actions that threaten the cohesion and operational readiness of the armed forces will not be tolerated, and those found guilty will face stringent consequences.
These cases also serve as a cautionary tale for all military personnel, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the code of conduct and the repercussions of deviating from it. The Pakistan Army continues to enforce its rules rigorously to ensure that its ranks remain disciplined and focused on their duty to protect and serve the nation.