Khawaja Asif, Pakistan’s defense minister, was recently heckled and threatened with a knife attack while in London. The incident occurred during a public outing, where Asif faced aggressive verbal abuse from a group of individuals. The situation escalated when one of the attackers allegedly made a direct threat, claiming they would “attack him with a knife.”
According to witnesses, the confrontation began when Asif was approached by a group who started shouting at him, with some calling him derogatory names. The altercation quickly turned more tense, as one person in the crowd allegedly raised a knife in a threatening manner, prompting fears for Asif’s safety.
London police were immediately notified, and authorities arrived at the scene to control the situation. While the assailant fled before being apprehended, the incident has raised concerns about the security of Pakistani politicians abroad and the rising instances of political violence.
Khawaja Asif, who is known for his outspoken stance on various political issues, has not yet commented publicly on the attack. However, the incident has prompted calls for increased security measures for Pakistani political figures visiting foreign countries.
The Pakistan High Commission in London has expressed concern over the event and has assured that the authorities are investigating the matter thoroughly. The incident highlights growing tensions surrounding political figures from Pakistan, especially those associated with the country’s ruling parties, as they travel abroad.
This is not the first time a Pakistani political figure has faced harassment and heckling in the British capital.
Recently, former Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa was targeted by PTI supporters in London. His vehicle was attacked and blocked by a group of protesters at the Middle Temple last month. The incident occurred when Isa arrived to attend a prestigious event organized by The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple, where he was being honored for his elevation to the position of Callee, following his resignation as the country’s top judge. The protesters, who were reportedly affiliated with PTI, stopped his car and began banging on it, disrupting the ceremony.
