Imran Khan’s Former Aide Attacked in UK: What Happened
Mirza Shahzad Akbar, former Special Assistant to ex-Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, has been seriously injured in a violent attack at his residence in Cambridge, United Kingdom. The incident, reported by PTI and police sources, has once again brought global attention to the safety of Pakistani political exiles living abroad.
According to initial information, an unidentified assailant entered Akbar’s home and repeatedly punched him in the face, leaving him with fractures to his nose and jaw. He was rushed to a hospital and is currently undergoing treatment. British police have confirmed that an investigation is underway and forensic evidence from the scene is being examined.
Akbar Accuses Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir
Following the attack, Akbar publicly blamed Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, alleging that the assault was part of a sustained campaign to intimidate and silence him while he is living in exile in the UK. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party also confirmed the incident, stating that Akbar sustained serious injuries during the early-morning attack.
While no official link has yet been established by British authorities, Akbar’s allegations have intensified political tensions and renewed debate over cross-border intimidation of dissidents.
A Pattern of Threats and Past Attacks
This is not the first time Akbar has faced danger in Britain. He has been living in the UK since April 2022, claiming he fled Pakistan due to threats to his life. In November 2023, a masked attacker allegedly threw acid at his Cambridge home. Although Akbar escaped unhurt, he described the incident as an attempt to silence him.
Akbar has repeatedly linked these attacks to the Al-Qadir Trust case involving Imran Khan. He claims Pakistani security agencies pressured him to testify against the former prime minister and that threats escalated after he refused.
Key allegations by Akbar include:
Repeated threatening messages warning him to “mend his ways”
Attempts to intimidate him into becoming a prosecution witness
A coordinated effort to silence dissent abroad
Legal Battle and Extradition Efforts
After the acid attack, Akbar initiated legal proceedings in a British court in April 2024, alleging possible involvement of Pakistani officials. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry dismissed these claims as baseless.
Meanwhile, Akbar faces legal trouble back home. An Islamabad court has declared him a proclaimed offender in a case linked to controversial social media posts. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has also sought his extradition, submitting documents to the British High Commissioner. Although there is no formal extradition treaty between the UK and Pakistan, a limited agreement exists for specific cases.
Why This Matters Now
The latest assault on Imran Khan’s former aide attacked in the UK has raised serious concerns about the safety of Pakistani political exiles and dissidents in Britain. Experts warn that such incidents, if politically motivated, could strain diplomatic relations and challenge the UK’s responsibility to protect asylum seekers and exiles.
As British police continue their investigation, the case is being closely watched by human rights groups and political observers, who see it as a test of accountability and protection for those living in exile.
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