Islamabad court declares Mirza Shahzad Akbar proclaimed offender

Former special assistant to the prime minister Mirza Shahzad Akbar was declared on Friday a proclaimed offender.

Judicial Magistrate Muhammad Abbas Shah Akbar issued the verdict after Akbar failed to appear before the court despite multiple summons.

The order also directed the concerned authorities to issue an arrest warrant for Akbar to ensure his production before the court.

Akbar, a barrister who served as the former adviser on interior and accountability and headed the previous government’s Asset Recovery Unit, faces inquiries in various cases in Pakistan, including alleged controversial statements made on social media platform X.

A day ago, Pakistan formally handed over extradition papers for Akbar to the British government, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi urging London to immediately return him, who is wanted in multiple cases.

He stressed that while the government respects freedom of expression, “fake news” and campaigns targeting state institutions cannot be tolerated, adding that Pakistan appreciates British cooperation on matters involving individuals engaged in anti-Pakistan propaganda abroad.

He said the extradition process has already been initiated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and that Islamabad expects progress from UK authorities under existing legal frameworks.