The court’s written order also told the authorities to issue an arrest warrant after he ignored repeated summons related to a case accusing him of making controversial statements on social media.

Officials confirmed that the challan against him has already been submitted, making the case formally ready for trial.

The matter stems from an FIR filed by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency in July 2025, accusing Akbar of online allegations that officials say crossed legal limits.

This decision comes just one day after Pakistan began the process to extradite Akbar from the United Kingdom, where he has lived since April 2022. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi handed over the required paperwork to UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott during their meeting.

Read more: Extradition of Shahzad Akbar & Adil Raja: Naqvi hands over files to UK envoy

Naqvi said he “fully believed” in freedom of expression but added that no country can allow attacks on the state and its institutions from abroad.

Recently, the Pakistan High Commission in London refused to renew Akbar’s passport, explaining that it had been blocked by authorities in Islamabad.

Akbar, a barrister and former head of the government’s Asset Recovery Unit, left Pakistan shortly after the removal of the Khan government in April 2022. Although his name was on the Exit Control List, he flew out after the Islamabad High Court ruled that the travel ban was unlawful.

Once known as Imran Khan’s key anti-corruption figure, Akbar earlier served as a Special Prosecutor with NAB between 2004 and 2008, working on major alleged corruption cases involving Benazir Bhutto, Asif Ali Zardari, and Shahbaz Sharif, the current prime minister.

This case shows how quickly legal pressure can rise once a court decides someone is avoiding proceedings. The extradition step also signals that the government wants this matter concluded. Akbar’s blocked passport and court order together make his position tougher. The next moves from the UK side will decide how far this case goes.