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.
