UK police confirm acid attack on ex-SAPM Shahzad Akbar

The United Kingdom (UK) police have confirmed that Shahzad Akbar, a former adviser to ex-Pakistani PM Imran Khan, was attacked with acid at his residence on Sunday.

According to Geo News, Hertfordshire police in a statement said that they were alerted by the ambulance service just before 4:45 pm on November 26.

“It is believed an acidic solution was used. A 46-year-old man received hospital treatment and has now been discharged. Safety of any victim is paramount and we believe this is an isolated incident. Active enquiries are underway. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information which could assist with our investigation is asked to please contact police.”

The incident took place in an area near London outside the former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader’s residence. The politician, who has been in self-exile in the UK, said that he was at home with his kids on Sunday when a delivery man wearing a helmet rang the doorbell and reportedly threw acid.

Akbar wrote, “Last evening I was attacked at my address in England (where I am living in exile with my family) by unknown assailant/s who threw acidic liquid at me. Thankfully my wife and children are safe, however I got some injuries but nothing life-threatening.

Police and emergency services arrived instantly and house being protected now. I will not be intimidated nor bow down to those who are doing this.”

Speaking to Geo News, Akbar said a delivery person came to his house and threw acid on him as soon as he opened the door. However, he said, most of the acid landed on the door and only a small amount landed on him.

“My wife and children remained unharmed, only I got some injuries,” said the former PTI leader.

Akbar told Geo News that he is currently living in a small village outside of London where he shifted about 1.5 months ago. He said that his new address had been leaked.