In a shocking turn of events, Mirza Shahzad Akbar, an adviser to the imprisoned former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, has become the victim of an acid attack outside his home in the UK. The cowardly act left Mr. Akbar with injuries on his body, narrowly missing his eyes. Although no arrests have been made yet, the police are actively investigating the case.
Mr. Akbar, who served as an adviser to Mr. Khan until his removal from office, has been vocal about the politically motivated charges against the former prime minister. He highlights that Pakistani authorities deny these allegations. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Mr. Akbar posted in Urdu, describing the attack by stating, “the attacker threw an acid solution on me and ran away.” In another post in English, he defiantly proclaimed, “I will not be intimidated nor bow down to those who are doing this.”
This disturbing incident comes in the wake of multiple threats Mr. Akbar claims to have received in the UK since fleeing Pakistan with his family. He also reveals that his brother had been forcibly disappeared in Pakistan, making a reappearance months later. While Mr. Akbar asserts that the acid attack is part of these threats, he refrained from pointing fingers at any specific individual or group. The assailant’s aim was to cause harm primarily to Mr. Akbar’s arms and the top of his head, fortunately sparing his eyes.
Hertfordshire police responded to reports of the assault on Sunday afternoon, where it was suspected that an acidic solution was used. The victim received prompt medical treatment and has since been discharged. The police consider this an isolated incident, but investigations are ongoing. They are urging witnesses or anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Considering the safety of Mr. Akbar and his family, the BBC has refrained from disclosing the precise location of the attack. This precautionary measure aims to mitigate any potential risk they may face.
Mr. Akbar’s career encompasses serving as a cabinet minister in Mr. Khan’s government, which faced a vote of no confidence in 2022, leading to the former Prime Minister’s removal from office. Consequently, Mr. Khan, the renowned cricket player turned politician, finds himself currently incarcerated in Pakistan, facing a barrage of charges. His legal team asserts that he is accused of over 100 crimes, ranging from the alleged leaking of state secrets to orchestrating violent protests.
The acid attack on Mr. Akbar has raised questions about the political future of Imran Khan. As he languishes in jail, many wonder if his career in politics has reached its end. Moreover, this incident sheds light on the unease the Pakistani army feels about upcoming elections, highlighting their fear of the power of democracy and the choice of the people.
As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial for law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in bringing the culprits to justice. It is a test of the UK’s commitment to safety and security that such incidents of violence and intimidation must not be tolerated, regardless of the victim’s political affiliations. The attack on Mr. Akbar serves as a stark reminder of the threats faced by those who dare to challenge the status quo and fight for justice and democracy.
In an era where political disagreements escalate into grotesque acts of violence, it is essential to unite in condemning such attacks and to ensure the safety of individuals who have dedicated themselves to public service. The international community must continue to monitor the situation closely, and support and protect those who work tirelessly to uphold the principles of accountability, transparency, and human rights. Only through collective action can we build a world where political differences are resolved through dialogue and respect, rather than through fear and violence.
