Pakistani interior minister shot during political rally

Ahsan Iqbal has been injured during attack in his native town in Punjab province

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AA) - Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal was shot and injured during a public meeting in his native town in northeastern Punjab province, a government official said.

State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhery told Anadolu Agency: “An unknown assailant has attacked the interior minister during a political gathering in Kanjrur area of Narowal district, his native town, and got injured.”

A bullet struck Iqbal's right shoulder; however, his condition is out of danger, Chaudhery added.

The interior minister was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital; he was later shifted to Lahore, the provincial capital city of Punjab province.

A suspected shooter was arrested and was being interrogated by police, Punjab government said on Twitter.

Prime Minister Shahid Khatab Abbasi strongly condemned the attack and asked for a report from provincial authorities.

Former President Asif Ali Zardari, opposition leader and Chairman Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf Imran Khan, Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Senator Sirajul Haq, and other Pakistani political party leaders also strongly condemned the attack and prayed for his early recovery.

Kaynak:

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