Khawaja Asif Faces Knife Threat in London During Private Trip

In a shocking incident that has raised concerns about the safety of Pakistani officials abroad, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif recently faced a knife attack threat while traveling in London. This incident occurred during a private trip, where Asif was reportedly harassed for nearly ten minutes by an individual on a train bound for Heathrow Airport. The situation escalated to the point where the assailant made multiple threats to attack Asif with a knife, a scenario that is both alarming and unacceptable.

Asif, however, has shown remarkable resilience in the face of this threat. He stated, "I don’t take security in Pakistan and anywhere else. I walk in London for at least eight kilometres daily. I am not intimidated." His determination to continue his daily routine despite the incident highlights a strong sense of personal conviction. The Defence Minister has been visiting London since 1980 and claims he has never encountered such a hostile situation before, although he acknowledges that political figures often face verbal assaults.

Following the incident, Asif filed a formal complaint with the Metropolitan Police, who assured him of a thorough investigation. He expressed satisfaction with the police response, stating, "The good thing is the full video was made of me under a camera installed in the train section where I was boarded with my cousin’s brother." This video evidence is crucial for the investigation, as it captures the harassment and threats made against him.

Asif has also pointed fingers at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, founded by Imran Khan, suggesting that the individual who threatened him was affiliated with the party. However, the PTI has denied any involvement and condemned the incident. This denial raises questions about the political climate in Pakistan and the safety of its officials abroad, especially in light of previous incidents involving harassment of Pakistani political figures in the UK.

The London Transport Police have confirmed that they are actively investigating the matter, which is a positive step towards ensuring the safety of individuals in similar situations. The incident has sparked discussions about the growing trend of harassment faced by Pakistani officials overseas, with recent examples including attacks on former Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Judge Humayun Dilawar.

The incident involving Khawaja Asif serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by political figures, not just in their home countries but also abroad. It underscores the importance of ensuring safety and security for all individuals, regardless of their political affiliations. As the investigation unfolds, it is hoped that justice will be served, and measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. The safety of public figures is paramount, and society must collectively condemn any form of violence or intimidation.