Shahzad Akbar issues notice to Pakistani govt over acid attack in the UK

LONDON: Shahzad Akbar, a former adviser to deposed Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, is taking legal action against the Government of Pakistan over an acid attack that left him scarred for life.

Shahzad Akbar had acid thrown at his face when he opened his door to a caller at his home in Royston on 26 November 2023.

On Monday afternoon, Shahzad Akbar served a copy of his legal action to Pakistan High Commission in London. This reporter has seen a copy of the legal claim, over 15 pages. It names several Pakistani govt officials as responsible for the attack.Shahzad claims in the letter the government of Pakistan was behind the attack, which happened in front of his young child, and has left him scarred and with psychological injuries. Shahzad has sent the Government of Pakistan a letter outlining the claim which he intends to bring against it at the High Court in London.

A press release issued by the law firm representing Akbar alleged, “Shortly after Khan was ousted, Shahzad was placed on a no-fly list. His name was removed from the list after he was successful in a court challenge. On 17 April 2022, he fled to London via Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to avoid being targeted by Pakistani government.

Shahzad claims that in October 2023, he was informed by his acquaintances that the Pakistan High Commission in London was attempting to trace his home address.

In November 2023, Shahzad claims, he received a letter from the Pakistan High Commission demanding information about a confidential agreement involving the UK National Crime Agency. Shahzad alleges the attack was perpetrated at the best of Pakistani government.

He is seeking damages for personal injury, a public apology from the govt and disclosure of the identity of all individuals and/or bodies who, he alleges, are involved in the attack.