Former Special Assistant to former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Accountability Mirza Shahzad Akbar on Monday took to his account on X formerly Twitter and shared the news about an alleged “Acid Attack” on him at his residence in England.
Akbar, who is currently living in exile with his family, reported that unknown assailants targeted him with an “acidic liquid.” While his wife and children are safe, Akbar sustained injuries that he assured were not life-threatening.
The attack comes at a time when Akbar is embroiled in legal controversies, particularly related to the Al Qadir Trust case against PTI Chairman Imran Khan. The case revolves around alleged illegal land acquisition and the construction of Al Qadir University, with accusations of unlawful benefits in the recovery of funds through the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) in a money laundering case involving real estate tycoon Malik Riaz and his family.
Having left Pakistan after Imran Khan’s ousting in April of the previous year, Akbar is now a central figure in the unfolding legal drama. In May, Imran Khan shifted responsibility onto Akbar for allegedly making a secret deal with Malik Riaz, emphasizing that he was unaware of the settlement between the NCA and Riaz and relied on Akbar’s briefing.
The attack on Shahzad Akbar adds a disturbing dimension to an already complex situation in the evolving political landscape of Pakistan wherein noose is being tightened around the PTI leaders especially in the backdrop of May 9 mayhem.
On May 9, Imran Khan was arrested in a graft case which was followed by violent protests across the country that led to burning of sensitive installations and defiling of the memorials of martyrs.
