Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal shot and injured

Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal was shot and injured at a corner meeting in his constituency Narowal on Sunday.

The assailant, Abid, shot at the interior minister at his right shoulder from a distance of 15 yards as he was sitting in his vehicle to leave the rally ground in Kanjrur, confirmed DPO Imran Kishwar.

Workers of Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N), standing near the assailant, tackled the man after he opened fire at Iqbal, said Punjab Government Spokesperson Malik Ahmed Khan. He further said the suspect was stopped from firing a second shot.

A 30-bore pistol was recovered from the arrested suspect, aged between 20-22 years, confirmed DPO Kishwar. Abid is reportedly a resident of Narowal.

Iqbal was shifted to the hospital immediately after the incident. His son, Ahmed, confirmed his father was conscious and out of danger.

“He is receiving initial medical treatment at DHQ Hospital in Narowal,” Ahmed told Geo News, adding that his father would be shifted to Lahore for further medical aid.

State Minister for Interior Tallal Chaudry, in an exclusive conversation with Geo News, said an investigation was underway into the incident.

The Inspector General of Punjab Captain (retd) Arif Nawaz Khan took notice of the incident and summoned a report from Narowal DPO Kishwar. The police chief issued orders to take strict legal action against the suspect.