I am Major (Retd) Adil Farooq Raja, a freelance investigative journalist, human rights activist, and whistleblower based in the United Kingdom. As a full member of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) and a representative of the International Human Rights Foundation (IHRF), I am committed to uncovering truths about corruption, human rights abuses, and threats to democracy, particularly in Pakistan. Through my platform, Soldier Speaks, I produce independent journalism via YouTube channels, X Spaces / podcasts, and social media, reaching audiences worldwide to advocate for press freedom, constitutional supremacy, and accountability in governance.
My journey into journalism began after a distinguished 19-year career in the Pakistan Army, where I served as a war-wounded veteran in combat roles, including as Wing Commander of the Khyber Rifles in the Frontier Scouts. I specialized in field security, political and security analysis, intelligence-based anti-terrorist operations, and de-radicalization. During my service, I coordinated with international forces on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border and gained deep insights into regional geopolitics, including the Middle East and Central Asia. I hold a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Peshawar and completed initial coursework toward an MPhil at Quaid-e-Azam University.
A Successful Businessman
Post-retirement in 2017, I initially pursued entrepreneurship in land acquisition, a company which dealt with mega real estate organizations like DHA and Bahria Town beside other clients
Political Analyst / Commentator
While contributing op-ed columns to publications like The Nation. However, my growing role as a geopolitical analyst and spokesperson for the Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Society (PESS) marked my shift toward media and advocacy. I appeared in talk shows to counter anti-Pakistan narratives and established a media cell for veterans’ concerns.
Investigative Journalist
I volunatarily joined the Pakistan Ex Servicemen Society and established its media cell. I was also appointed as the Spokesperon of the prestigious organisation for voicing the concerns of the verternans community. I was also a regular colunmist and appeared in the talk shows to counter anti-Pakistan narrative.
My journalism has garnered international recognition and support. The NUJ has unanimously passed motions in solidarity with me, condemning the Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) filed by Pakistani entities as threats to press freedom. In 2025, the NUJ’s London Freelance Branch highlighted my case as a “significant threat to journalistic integrity,” urging stronger protections against such legal harassment. I have been cleared by UK counterterrorism police of all charges and continue to collaborate with global media, including interviews with outlets like India Today and podcasts with fellow NUJ members.
Affiliated with the NUJ since 2024, I actively participate in initiatives like vigils for martyred journalists and campaigns against libel tourism. As IHRF’s Permanent Representative, I advocate for dissidents and victims of state repression. My activism extends to platforms like Spotify, Rumble, and Twitch, ensuring resilience against censorship—such as the two-year YouTube ban I overcame in 2025.This path has come at great personal cost: my family in Pakistan endures surveillance and isolation, with my mother abducted and passports revoked. Yet, it fuels my resolve to fight for truth, democracy, and a free Pakistan. My early life includes schooling at IMCB F-7/3, training at PMA Kakul (99th Long Course), and service in the 18th Horse Regiment.Through my work, I remain a soldier for justice—now armed with words, not weapons.
Why I had to leave Pakistan?
In April 2022, facing threats for my outspoken criticism of Pakistan’s military establishment during the regime change operation, I relocated to the UK. Here, I have fully embraced investigative journalism, exposing misconduct within Pakistan’s deep state through Soldier Speaks. My work has included whistleblowing on electoral interference, corruption, and human rights violations, often drawing on my insider knowledge. Despite facing persecution—including fictitious charges, asset seizures, family harassment, and a 14-year court-martial sentence in absentia— I continue to raise awareness under UK protection.
A Son, A Brother, Husband and a Father
Every man has responsibilities in his life, so do I. The choice to fight the black sheep in my mother institution has put my own mother, wife, children and siblings at peril. My family was haunted and hunted as a result of my activism and they continue to face horrific harassment at the hands of the Pakistani deep state. My mother lives under 24/7 surveillance, unable to leave the country or talk to me. My family has been forced to cut me off and disassociate with me like the families of thousands of other men and women, who choose to fight for the right of democracy in Pakistan, while living abroad. So for those, who blame me, saying that it is a personal fight for me, I say, Yes. How could it not be a personal fight? We fight not only for our motherland, but also for our mothers, sisters and siblings, including children living on our motherland. Yes, its personal, very much so. What man or woman won’t fight for his/her family?
What was my fault? Why I was punished?
Watch this video in which I have explained why I had to leave Pakistan!
میں کون ہوں؟ Who I am?
Exiled Major Adil Raja Exposes Pakistan Army, Faces Trial in London | Exclusive Interview
In this interview with India Today’s Geeta Mohan, I speak openly about my legal battle against Pakistan’s military establishment and the ISI. Now living in exile under police protection in London, I detail how my family was targeted — my mother abducted, our passports revoked — and how the ISI is using the UK’s libel system to silence me through SLAPP lawsuits. This defamation trial, beginning July 21, 2025, is not just about me — it’s about press freedom and the abuse of legal systems by authoritarian regimes. Despite being cleared of all charges by UK counterterrorism police, I continue to stand firm for truth, democracy, and the people of Pakistan.
Affiliated Institutions
IMCB F-7/3
PMA Kakul
Pakistan Army
18 Horse
Frontier Scouts- FC KPK
Peshawar University
