In a concerning turn of events, Scotland Yard’s counter-terrorism command is investigating a series of “highly targeted” attacks on two Pakistani dissidents living in Britain. The victims, who are prominent supporters of the jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, have been subjected to a string of violent incidents that may be linked to state-sponsored efforts to silence their critics.
The attacks, which began on Christmas Eve, have involved physical assaults, attempted arson, and the use of firearms. One victim, human rights lawyer Mirza Shahzad Akbar, a former member of Imran Khan’s cabinet and a critic of Pakistan’s current regime, recounted a harrowing ordeal where he was punched 25-30 times in the face by a masked assailant who appeared to be well-trained.
The investigation has also uncovered a second attack on Akbar’s home, where three shots were fired through the front window, and an attempt was made to set the house ablaze. A third incident on January 10th saw a man enter the property, spray chemicals on the outer wall, and break windows with an iron bar.
Despite the arrest of a 34-year-old man in connection with the December 31st incident, the continued attacks have raised concerns that those responsible are “mocking the UK police and government and their resolve to deal with such matters.”
Akbar, who was also the victim of an unsolved acid attack at his home in 2023, has expressed fear for his life and that of his family, stating, “They are trying to scare and intimidate me, and I am pretty scared. I fear for my life and for my family’s lives.”
Counter-terrorism officials have warned of increasing attacks in the UK by criminal proxies acting on behalf of states such as Russia, Iran, and China, targeting people opposed to their regimes. In this case, Pakistan has not previously featured in such investigations, nor have they involved the use of firearms.
The Foreign Office has faced criticism for its silence on the matter, with human rights group Reprieve calling for the government to “publicly condemn these appalling attacks and make clear there is no space for violent intimidation on UK soil.” The group warns that 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 safety and security of the victims remain a pressing concern, and the UK authorities must demonstrate their resolve to protect dissidents and uphold the principles of free speech and democracy.
