ISLAMABAD: A mysterious fire broke out at the residence of prominent exiledPakistani journalist Dr Moeed Pirzada in the United States, raising seriousconcerns about the safety of government critics living abroad. Thisincident follows closely on the heels of targeted attacks on formeraccountability adviser Mirza Shahzad Akbar’s home in the United Kingdom,including a physical assault and an attempted arson. Observers describethese events as part of an escalating pattern of transnational repressionagainst dissenting voices from Pakistan. The timing and nature of theseoccurrences have sparked widespread alarm among human rights advocates andthe Pakistani diaspora.
Authorities in the US responded swiftly to the blaze at Pirzada’s propertyin Maryland, where the journalist has resided since leaving Pakistan amidalleged security threats. Firefighters managed to contain the damage, butthe cause remains under investigation, with suspicions of foul playcirculating widely on social media platforms. Pirzada, known for hiscritical commentary on Pakistani politics through his YouTube channel, hasnot publicly commented on the incident yet. However, supporters link itdirectly to his outspoken stance against the government.
In a related development, Shahzad Akbar reported two separate attacks onhis Cambridgeshire residence within a single week late last year. OnDecember 24, he sustained serious injuries, including a fractured nose,during a violent assault by an unidentified individual who confirmed hisidentity before attacking. Just days later, on December 31, perpetratorsdamaged his property and attempted to set it on fire, endangering the livesof his family members. UK police, including counter-terrorism units, aretreating these as targeted incidents.
Human rights organisations have documented a surge in threats againstexiled Pakistani journalists and activists over the past few years.According to reports from groups like the Committee to Protect Journalistsand Reporters Without Borders, Pakistan ranks poorly in global pressfreedom indices, with critics facing harassment, legal cases, and evenphysical dangers beyond its borders. In 2025 alone, multiple cases ofonline censorship, arrests, and intimidation were recorded, pushing manyprominent figures into exile.
The pattern extends beyond these recent cases. Earlier incidents includeacid attacks on dissidents’ properties in the UK and coordinated onlinecampaigns to discredit critics. Analysts point to a broader strategy ofsilencing opposition voices, particularly those associated with formerprime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party. Many exiledjournalists continue their work via digital platforms, reaching millionsdespite restrictions back home.
Data from international watchdogs indicates that transnational repressiontactics, such as surveillance, threats to family members, and directassaults, have increased globally, with Pakistan cited in several cases.The United Nations and European bodies have expressed concern over suchpractices, urging host countries to provide robust protection for politicalrefugees and dissidents.
In Pirzada’s case, the fire’s mysterious origins have fueled speculationabout orchestrated efforts to intimidate. Supporters shared videos of theemergency response, highlighting the intensity of the blaze before it wascontrolled. This event underscores the vulnerability of even those who seekrefuge in Western democracies, where rule of law is presumed to offersafety.
Shahzad Akbar, in his statements, emphasised the UK’s obligation to protectpolitical exiles from persecution. He called on authorities to utilise allresources to investigate and prevent further attacks. Similar appeals havecome from the Pakistani diaspora, demanding accountability and safeguardsagainst foreign interference in host nations.
Read Top Stories
The convergence of these incidents in quick succession has heightened fearsof a coordinated campaign. With Pirzada and Akbar both vocal critics, theparallels are striking. Press freedom advocates argue that such actions notonly endanger individuals but also undermine democratic discourse andjournalistic integrity worldwide.
As investigations proceed in both the US and UK, the internationalcommunity watches closely. Calls for independent probes and enhancedprotection measures grow louder, amid worries that unchecked repressioncould embolden similar tactics elsewhere. The safety of exiled voicesremains a critical test for global human rights commitments.
This series of events highlights a troubling trend affecting dozens ofPakistani professionals abroad. Reports suggest over 20 journalists facedlegal or physical threats in exile during recent years, with manyrelocating multiple times for security. The psychological toll on familiesis immense, as threats often extend to relatives back in Pakistan.
Ultimately, these developments raise profound questions about the limits ofstate reach and the effectiveness of asylum systems. As more detailsemerge, the hope is for swift justice and reinforced protections to deterfuture incidents. The resilience of these critics persists, but at anincreasingly high personal cost.Source:https://www.dawn.com/news/1964653/ex-imran-aide-shahzad-akbar-says-uk-residence-subjected-to-deliberate-targeted-attack
ogimageimage-name
