In a shocking incident, Shahzad Akbar, a former close adviser to incarcerated Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, was subjected to a brutal physical assault in the United Kingdom. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party confirmed that Akbar was attacked near his home in Cambridge, sustaining serious injuries including fractures.
Details of the Violent Assault in Cambridge
The attack occurred on Thursday morning in Cambridge. According to the PTI's social media statement, a man aged between 25 and 30 years old targeted Akbar. The assailant repeatedly punched Shahzad Akbar in the face, resulting in a broken nose and a fractured jaw. Following the violent assault, Akbar was rushed to a hospital where he is currently receiving treatment. The local police in Cambridge have been informed, have collected all pertinent details, and an investigation into the matter is now ongoing.
Political Context and Possible Motives
The PTI has directly linked this violent attack to Akbar's recent political activities. The party highlighted that just a day before the assault, Barrister Shahzad Akbar delivered a "bold and factual speech" against what he termed Pakistan's "martial law regime". This speech was made during a peaceful protest outside the Pakistan High Commission in London.
Furthermore, the PTI statement referenced a recent press conference by Pakistan's DG ISPR, Major General Ahmed Sharif, who had made a dismissive comment about Akbar, saying, "I don't even want to see his face". This sequence of events has led the party to suspect a political motive behind the physical attack in Cambridge.
Background on Shahzad Akbar and Ongoing Legal Pressures
Shahzad Akbar is a prominent member of the PTI and served as an adviser on accountability to former Prime Minister Imran Khan. His current situation is compounded by legal pressures from the Pakistani government. Islamabad has formally submitted extradition documents for Shahzad Akbar to the British High Commissioner, seeking his immediate return to Pakistan.
This development occurs against the backdrop of a severe crackdown on PTI leadership. Imran Khan himself has been in jail since August 2023 and was recently sentenced to an additional 17 years in prison in the Toshakhana-II corruption case. His wife, Bushra Bibi, also faces multiple separate cases, including one over alleged fake Toshakhana receipts and another under the Peaceful Assembly Act.
The attack on Shahzad Akbar in Cambridge has intensified concerns about the safety of Pakistani political dissidents abroad and marks a significant escalation in the ongoing political turmoil surrounding the PTI.
