Counter-Terrorism Police Investigate 'Highly Targeted' Attacks on Pakistani Dissidents in UK
Scotland Yard's counter-terrorism command has launched an investigation into a series of what they describe as "highly targeted" attacks against two Pakistani dissidents living in Britain. The incidents, which began on Christmas Eve, involved physical assault, attempted arson, and the use of firearms, raising concerns about potential state involvement through criminal proxies.
Details of the Attacks
The attacks occurred in Cambridgeshire and Buckinghamshire against two prominent supporters of the jailed former Pakistani prime minister, Imran Khan. One of the victims is Mirza Shahzad Akbar, a 48-year-old human rights lawyer and former member of Imran Khan's cabinet, who is an outspoken critic of Pakistan's current regime.
Akbar described the first attack on Christmas Eve, stating that a masked man assaulted him at his home just after 8am. "I opened the door and then a masked man started punching me, after asking 'are you Shahzad Akbar?' I must have got 25-30 punches on my face," he told the Guardian. "The man seemed trained to do what he was doing: proper footwork like a boxer, going only for my face."
Escalation of Violence
Following police advice, Akbar and his family moved out of their home and went into hiding. However, the attacks continued:
- On 31 December, minutes after Akbar briefly visited his home, two masked men were captured on CCTV. One fired three shots into the front window with a firearm, while another attempted to set the house ablaze with a burning rag.
- A third attack occurred on 10 January, where a man sprayed chemicals on the exterior wall, broke windows with an iron bar, and left racist graffiti before fleeing when alarms sounded.
Akbar expressed fear for his life, noting that this follows an unsolved acid attack at his home in 2023. "They are trying to scare and intimidate me, and I am pretty scared," he said. "I fear for my life and for my family's lives."
Police Investigation and Arrest
Counter-terrorism officers have taken over the investigation from local police. A 34-year-old man was arrested on 5 January in connection with the 31 December incident, on suspicion of attempted arson and possession of a firearm. He has been released on bail pending further inquiries.
In a statement, counter-terrorism policing London said: "Due to the apparently highly targeted nature of all three incidents they are being investigated by officers from CTP London. At this stage, detectives retain an open mind as to any potential motivation behind any of the three incidents."
Broader Context and Criticism
Counter-terror officials have warned of increasing attacks in the UK by criminal proxies acting on behalf of states such as Russia, Iran, and China, targeting individuals opposed to their regimes. Sources indicate that Pakistan has not previously featured in such investigations, and the use of a firearm is unusual in these cases.
The UK's Foreign Office has faced criticism for not commenting on the attacks, with Akbar suggesting that the perpetrators are "mocking" the UK. The human rights group Reprieve, which is supporting Akbar, called for government action: "The government should publicly condemn these appalling attacks and make clear there is no space for violent intimidation on UK soil. The silence so far is deafening, and risks sending a dangerous signal that this kind of thing will be tolerated."
As the investigation continues, the case highlights growing concerns about international political violence spilling onto British streets and the challenges faced by dissidents living in exile.
