The prosecution alleges the attacks were carefully coordinated
Six men have denied charges over an alleged plot to attack two prominent Pakistani dissidents at their homes in the UK.
The defendants appeared at the Old Bailey on July 18, 2026, where they pleaded not guilty to offences linked to the alleged planned attacks.
Prosecutors claim the group targeted human rights lawyer Mirza Shahzad Akbar and journalist Adil Raja.
Both of them have been outspoken critics of Pakistan’s current government.
Akbar previously served as an adviser in the administration of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Since moving to the UK, he has continued his work as a human rights lawyer and political commentator.
Raja is a journalist and political commentator with a large online following.
He is known for reporting on Pakistani politics and frequently criticising the country’s military and political leadership.
The prosecution alleges the attacks were carefully coordinated and intended to take place at both men’s homes at around 8:00 am on Christmas Eve 2025.
According to the court, groups of hired attackers were allegedly sent to each address as part of the planned operation.
Four of the defendants denied conspiring to assault Akbar and cause him actual bodily harm.
Several of the same defendants also denied conspiracy to assault Raja.
One of the accused separately pleaded not guilty to attempted arson at Akbar’s home.
He also denied possessing a revolver linked to an incident in Cambridgeshire on New Year’s Eve 2025.
Two other men charged in connection with the investigation did not enter pleas during Friday’s hearing.
The court heard they will do so at a later date. All eight defendants were remanded into custody following the hearing.
Most of those charged are due to stand trial at Nottingham Crown Court on January 12, 2027.
The remaining defendants are scheduled to appear before the same court on March 8, 2027.
The case has attracted attention because it involves two high-profile Pakistani dissidents who have continued their political activities after relocating to Britain.
It also raises wider concerns about the safety of journalists and political critics living in exile.
While the prosecution has outlined the alleged conspiracy, the evidence has yet to be tested before a jury.
All of the defendants deny the allegations against them.
The court will examine the evidence during the trials next year before reaching any verdicts.
The proceedings are expected to be closely watched in both the UK and Pakistan because of the political profiles of the alleged targets.
The outcome could also draw wider attention to the security challenges faced by political dissidents living abroad.
Loading ...