London: The United Kingdom police has confirmed the acid attack on Shahzad Akbar, an advisor to former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, at his residence.
The incident occurred in Royston, around 50 miles outside of London, where Akbar now resides with his family. The police statement revealed that an acidic solution was used in the assault, resulting in a 46-year-old man, Akbar, receiving hospital treatment and subsequently being discharged. Authorities consider this to be an isolated incident, emphasizing the safety of the victim.
Akbar had reportedly expressed concerns about his safety to UK law enforcement two weeks prior, citing that the Pakistani government was aware of his new address. The concerns arose after he received a letter from the Cabinet Division regarding his involvement in the £190 million NCA properties settlement case and Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi’s Al-Qadir Trust case.
Akbar, who had been in touch with UK agencies, alleged that the letter indicated that his location was known to the Pakistani government. The attack occurred on Sunday evening when an unidentified delivery person threw acid on Akbar’s face as he opened the door at his UK residence. Although most of the acid landed on the door, Akbar sustained injuries to his hand.
He reported that his wife and children were unharmed. The assailant, described as a delivery man wearing a helmet, fled the scene. Akbar, who has been in self-exile in the UK, emphasized that he was fortunate not to lose his sight in the attack and that his damaged spectacles played a protective role.
Following the incident, Akbar promptly contacted the police, and law enforcement arrived at his residence within five minutes. After spending 10 to 11 hours in the hospital, he was released and returned home.
