Shakargarh (May 06, 2018): Federal Minister for Interior Ahsan Iqbal was shot and injured in Narowal district of Punjab on Sunday evening.
The incident took place at Union Council Kanjrur in Narowal around 6:30pm. The minister had left for his car after a political gathering when he was attacked.
Click Play Button To Watch This Video:
The assailant Abid Hussain, 21, shot at the interior minister from a distance of 15 yards as the latter entered his vehicle to leave the rally ground in tehsil Kanjrur, confirmed DPO Imran Kishwar.
An initial report issued by the police said Iqbal’s bone was fractured after he received a bullet in his right shoulder.
Iqbal was shifted to the hospital immediately after the incident. According to his cousin, Iqbal was out of danger. He was shifted to hospital where his condition is reportedly out of danger. Police sources said that two suspects were taken into custody from the scene.
Police said Iqbal sustained a bullet wound in his arm. He was shifted to District Headquarters Hospital Narowal.
Ahsan Iqbal’s son Ahmed confirmed that his father was conscious and out of danger. Ahmed said “He is receiving initial medical treatment at DHQ Hospital in Narowal.” He added that his father would be shifted to Lahore for further medical aid, if necessary.
Confirming the incident, PML-N leader Tallal Chaudhry said Iqbal was out of danger. The arrested suspect —between 20-22 year-old — is being investigated, he added. He said that Iqbal received a bullet in his right shoulder.
DPO Imran Kishwar said that the assailant, Abid, shot at the interior minister at his right shoulder as he was sitting in his vehicle, adding that a 30-bore pistol was also recovered from the man.
Later, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal was shifted to Services Hospital, Lahore for further treatment.
Condemnations Pour In
Asif Ali Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto and other PPP leaders also condemned the attack on Ahsan Iqbal. “We have to put a stop to such incidents” said the PPP co-chairman.
“Hope he recovers soon and thoughts, prayers with his family,” Leader of the Opposition in Senate Sherry Rehman said.
“PTI strongly condemns attack on Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal,” Fawad Chaudhry tweeted. PTI chief also send a short tweet condemning the incident.
“Political differences notwithstanding, physical targeting of any politician is simply not acceptable. Sadly, intolerance and violence are becoming endemic in our society,” PTI’s Shireen Mazari said in her tweet.
Also condemning the incident, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haq demanded that the hidden elements behind the incident be uncovered.
Related News:
