The UK police have ceased their investigation into the acid attack on Shahzad Akbar, the former federal minister and ex-adviser to deposed prime minister Imran Khan.
A police source associated with counter-terrorism policing stated, “We have explored all lines of enquiry and have not been able to identify any suspects.”
In November 2023, Akbar reported that an unidentified individual threw acid on his face at his residence in the UK/
The Hertfordshire Constabulary, responsible for policing the county of Hertfordshire where Akbar resides, described the investigation as extremely complex. “Since November, officers have been working diligently to trace those involved. On this occasion, we have explored all lines of enquiry and have not been able to identify any suspects,” said the police force.
An intelligence source revealed that the probe into the acid attack was closed after no suspects were found during the “dedicated investigation.”
The police investigated various leads and reviewed hours of footage, including entry and exit points in the local area in Royston, but no suspects were identified. Forensic analysis did not yield any breakthroughs, and no evidence was found, leading to the decision to close the investigation.
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Backgound of the case
Following the incident last year, Herts police were informed by an ambulance service about an assault in Royston. “It is believed an acidic solution was used. A 44-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,” stated the police.
Weeks before the attack, Akbar had informed Geo News that he felt endangered because the Pakistani government was aware of his new address in Royston.
Regarding the closure of the inquiry by the UK police without any suspects found, Akbar stated, “I have already made it public who is responsible for the attack on me, perpetrated at the best of Pakistani government. The criminal inquiry may be closed, but I have recourse to civil course of action which I have already started.”
