Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has claimed that one of its senior leaders and close associates of former Prime Minister Imran Khan was attacked in the United Kingdom in what the party describes as a case of political intimidation. Barrister Shahzad Akbar, a former aide to Khan, was reportedly assaulted near his residence in Cambridge, suffering serious facial injuries.
According to PTI, Akbar sustained fractures to his nose and jaw and is currently undergoing medical treatment. The party alleged that the attack occurred shortly after Akbar delivered a public speech sharply critical of Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir during a protest outside the Pakistan High Commission in London.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, PTI urged British authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident, calling it part of a broader pattern of harassment and targeting of party leaders and supporters both inside and outside Pakistan.
PTI also referred to earlier remarks made by DG ISPR Major General Ahmed Sharif, claiming that Akbar had been publicly singled out days before the attack. The party alleged that Akbar’s speech directly challenged what it described as Pakistan’s “martial law–style governance” and accused the military leadership of intimidation tactics.
According to PTI’s account, the alleged attacker was a man aged between 25 and 30 years, who repeatedly struck Akbar in the face before fleeing the scene. Local police in the UK have reportedly recorded the complaint and begun an investigation into the incident.
In his widely circulated speech, Akbar accused Pakistan’s military leadership of suppressing dissent, targeting political opponents, and using fear to silence critics. He also claimed that arrests, enforced disappearances, and raids on homes would not weaken public resistance.
Attack Follows Imran Khan’s Fresh Prison Sentence
The incident comes amid heightened political tensions in Pakistan following the sentencing of Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years in prison each in a corruption case. The verdict has sparked widespread criticism from Khan’s supporters, who allege unfair treatment and politically motivated trials.
Concerns over Khan’s imprisonment have also drawn international attention. The United Nations has reportedly called for an end to Khan’s solitary confinement, citing human rights concerns.
Shortly after the court’s decision, a message was posted on Imran Khan’s official X account urging party leaders to prepare for mass protests. The statement described the verdict as a “military-style trial outcome” and called on citizens to mobilise for their democratic rights.
PTI leaders have warned that recent events signal an escalation in political repression, while demanding accountability and international scrutiny of the alleged attack on Shahzad Akbar.