Cambridge, England — Mirza Shahzad Akbar, a former special assistant for accountability to the ousted Prime Minister Imran Khan, was injured in a violent attack near his residence on Wednesday, raising concerns about the safety of political figures in exile. Police confirmed the incident, which Akbar characterized as a targeted assault.
Akbar, who suffered a broken nasal bone and sustained additional facial injuries, denied the authenticity of images circulating online that claimed to show his injuries, labeling them as doctored misinformation. The assailant, whom he described as possibly a construction worker or waste collector, confronted him before attacking. “These cowardly acts will not intimidate me,” he stated, asserting that the incident has only strengthened his resolve.
Authorities are actively investigating the attack and have begun gathering forensic evidence while reviewing CCTV footage from the area. While no arrests have been made and a suspect has yet to be identified, Cambridge police have assured Akbar that they are dedicated to finding those responsible, including anyone who may have orchestrated the assault.
Due to the ongoing investigation, Akbar stated he could not release the CCTV footage or additional imagery related to the incident but expressed confidence in the British legal system’s ability to deliver justice. He called for enhanced safety measures for all individuals, regardless of their political affiliations, emphasizing the importance of protecting dissenters.
This assault comes amid rising tensions for political dissidents in exile, a fact underscored by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s condemnation of the attack. Akbar has been an outspoken advocate against corruption and human rights abuses in Pakistan and has resided in the UK since 2022 after departing in the wake of his party’s governmental ousting.
Notably, this incident marks the second attack on Akbar since his relocation; in November 2023, he was targeted with a chemical substance outside his home in Hertfordshire. He attributes this increased violence to pressures from Pakistani authorities, illustrating the potential risks faced by those who criticize the regime.