ISLAMABAD: The passport renewal request of Mirza Shahzad Akbar, former adviser to ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan, has been refused by the Pakistan High Commission (PHC) in London. The refusal occurred when Shehzad Akbar visited the PHC on October 29 for biometric verification and document submission after securing an online appointment.
Passport Blocked by Islamabad Authorities
Officials informed Akbar that authorities in Islamabad have blocked his passport. According to insiders, the Ministry of Interior and the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) had cancelled his passport in 2023. The ministry took the action following a formal request from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in connection with the Al-Qadir Trust case, which involved Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, and others.
Other Figures Also Affected
Media reports stated that others named in the same case, including Farhat Shahzadi, Sayed Zulfiqar Bukhari, and two others, have also had their passports blocked or cancelled. The case remains one of the most prominent investigations pursued by NAB in recent years.
Irony in Political Circles
Observers noted the irony of the situation, as Akbar had earlier served as head of the government’s Asset Recovery Unit (ARU) and as an adviser on the interior. During his tenure, passport renewals for Nawaz Sharif and Ishaq Dar were similarly refused while they were in exile.
Return to Pakistan Conditional for Renewal
Officials suggested that Akbar’s passport renewal would remain conditional on his return and cooperation with NAB investigators. Once seen as Imran Khan’s leading anti-corruption figure, Akbar confirmed the refusal and said all documents were handled under Pakistan’s legal framework.
