Mirza Shahzad Akbar, a former adviser to jailed ex-Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, has been attacked by masked men near his home in the UK. According to his supporters, Akbar was hit in the face during the assault, which led to fractures in his nose and jaw. As a result, he has been admitted to hospital and is currently undergoing treatment.
Akbar earlier served as an accountability adviser in the Imran Khan government. Over the past few years, however, he has emerged as a strong critic of Pakistan’s military leadership, particularly Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. Supporters now allege that the attack was carried out on Munir’s directions, calling it a clear case of “transnational repression.”
Attack Follows Viral Speech Against Army Chief
Importantly, the attack comes days after a video of Akbar’s speech against Asim Munir went viral on social media. In that speech, Akbar accused the army chief of ruling Pakistan through fear and intimidation for more than three years.
#BREAKING: Former Advisor to Imran Khan and Pakistani Minister Shahzad Akbar attacked in the UK at the directions of Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir. Akbar has fractured face, currently in hospital. Transnational repression by Pakistan. Below speech by Akbar against Asim Munir. pic.twitter.com/RHYLgewpwX
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) December 25, 2025
He alleged that military authorities targeted political opponents by raiding homes, abducting leaders, and harassing families. However, Akbar claimed that these tactics ultimately failed, as resistance to the military’s actions continues inside Pakistan. Moreover, he mocked Munir by suggesting that fear now lies with those in power, not with the people.
Soon after the speech gained attention, Islamabad reportedly stepped up efforts to have Akbar extradited from the UK. Pakistani authorities sent legal documents to British officials, requesting action under extradition laws.
Extradition Push and Pattern of Past Threats
Meanwhile, the Pakistani government has formally declared Shahzad Akbar a proclaimed offender. Officials have shared records of multiple cases against him, including investigations by Pakistan’s cyber crime, federal investigation, and accountability agencies. According to Pakistani media reports, the Shehbaz Sharif government claims these cases justify his extradition.
However, Akbar’s supporters argue that these legal moves are politically motivated. They also point out that this is not the first time he has been targeted abroad. In 2023, Akbar claimed he survived an acid attack outside his UK residence, which left him injured but spared his eyes.
Since fleeing Pakistan after Imran Khan’s removal from power in 2022, Akbar has repeatedly said he and his family have received threats in the UK. Therefore, critics say the latest assault strengthens concerns that Pakistan’s military critics are being pursued even beyond the country’s borders.
