- SARSO DG Dr Shahzad Afzal under treatment at a Dhaka hospital with multiple bruises and rib fractures
- He describes assault as planned attempt to humiliate or even kill him, citing internal resistance and alleged collusion among staff with external elements within SAARC Secretariat
ISLAMABAD: In a shocking incident, a senior Pakistani officer heading a SAARC regional organization in Dhaka has been brutally assaulted by his own staff, prompting serious concern about his safety and diplomatic protection in Bangladesh.
Dr. Shahzad Afzal, a Pakistani scientist serving as Director General of the South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO), was reportedly attacked by several local officials inside his office on October 26, 2025. The incident came to light through his written complaints sent to SAARC authorities and the Bangladesh police and was later confirmed by Dr. Afzal himself via WhatsApp from hospital.
Dr. Afzal, who was appointed SARSO chief earlier this year after competing among candidates from all seven SAARC member states, had previously served as Director at the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA).
In his formal complaint, he alleged that Mr. Shazahan Islam (Senior Finance Officer), Mr. Md. Rabiul Islam (MIS Officer), Mr. Md. Moksedul Islam, and Mr. Md. Rafiqul Islam (Office Assistants) forcibly entered his office, attacked him, and hurled abusive slogans against Pakistan. “They hit my head on the wall, beat me, and raised slogans against my beloved country, Pakistan,” Dr. Afzal stated in his report.
The Pakistani officer, who is currently under treatment at a Dhaka hospital, said he sustained multiple bruises and rib fractures. He described the assault as a planned attempt to humiliate or even kill him, citing internal resistance and alleged collusion among staff with external elements within the SAARC Secretariat and the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to his report, police were initially reluctant to register a formal FIR but later initiated an investigation after medical evidence and witness accounts were presented. Dr. Afzal has also sought immediate protection, requesting a retired army guard and permission to obtain a licensed weapon for self-defense.
He said the SAARC Secretary General has assured him that the issue will be investigated and disciplinary action will be taken. Meanwhile, Dr. Afzal has appealed to the Foreign Office of Pakistan to take up the matter urgently with the Bangladesh government, citing serious security threats.
SARSO, headquartered in Dhaka, operates under the SAARC framework to promote regional cooperation in standards, quality, and conformity assessment across South Asia.
