Pakistan's interior minister survives attempt on life
Pakistan's Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal has survived an assassination attempt; an incident that will likely heighten political tensions ahead of general elections due in late July.
Asim Khan, a special aide to the politician, said Iqbal was attacked in his native Narowal district in the central province of Punjab on Sunday.
"Ahsan Iqbal was targeted and shot in the arm," Khan said, adding, "He is out of danger and being taken to a medical facility in Lahore. The attacker has been arrested."
A rescue services spokesperson said Iqbal was getting into his vehicle to leave a rally when a "young man" fired at him "several times."
"One bullet hit him in the left shoulder. He was transferred to the local district hospital, where he is being treated," he added.
Iqbal, 59, is a senior leader of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party (PML-N) and is a close aide of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has condemned the attack.
The latest attack raises questions about security situation across Pakistan as the country gears up for parliamentary elections expected this summer.
Despite frequent offensives by the Pakistani army, acts of terror by militants and other criminal gangs continue to target officials and security forces as well as civilians.
Thousands of Pakistanis have lost their lives in bombings and other militant attacks since 2001, when Pakistan entered into an alliance with the United States in Washington’s so-called war on terror. Thousands more have been displaced by the wave of violence and militancy sweeping the country.
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