MQM-P leader Khawaja Izharul Hassan. PHOTO: FILE
Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Khawaja Izharul Hasan on Saturday escaped an assassination attempt in which two people, including a policeman, were killed and many others injured.
According to Express News, the leader of the opposition in Sindh Assembly was going home after offering Eidul Azhar prayers when two suspected attackers ambushed his vehicle in Bufferzone area of the metropolis.
While Khawaja Izhar remained unharmed in the incident, an attacker was killed during the retaliatory fire by one of the guards of the MQM-P lawmaker.
The bodies and the injured have been shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital whereas law enforcers have recovered as many as 27 bullet casings of 9mm pistol, SSP Central Pir Muhammad Shah said. Shah said the attackers came in police uniforms so they were able to pass through various check points unhindered.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Sindh IG Allah Dino Khwaja said one of the attackers was killed during an exchange of fire with the police near Taimooria.
Police kill two suspects in encounter
MQM leader Farooq Sattar condemned the shooting and criticised federal and provincial governments for not providing adequate security to opposition politicians despite threats from banned sectarian militant outfits.
"I strongly condemn this attack on Khawaja Izharul Hassan," Farooq said. "My party colleagues and myself are facing threats from banned sectarian militant outfits and other organisations but federal and provincial governments have failed to provide us adequate security."
Farooq Sattar said that three attackers were at the corner of the street of Izhar's house and had covered their faces with helmets. He, alongwith Izhar and other party members, visited the home of the boy who was killed in the attack to pay condolences.
Nadeem Nusrat condemned involving MQM-London in an attack on Izhar without proper investigations.
Stressing that the Sindh government was aware of its duties, Home Minister Sohail Anwar Siyal expressed his dismay on blaming the government for insufficient security.
The home minister announced that the Sindh government will give Rs 10 million in compensation to the martyred police officer’s family. He added that the family of the deceased will continue to receive salary until the date of his retirement and assured them to induct two men from their household into the Sindh police. He further added that the government would bear all costs of the treatment of those injured.
Police kill two alleged robbers in Karachi encounter
Assassination attempt on @IzharulHassan in BufferZone,he escaped,no info about other casualties,apparently terrorists were in Police Uniform
— Faisal Subzwari (@faisalsubzwari) September 2, 2017
Meanwhile, another party leader Faisal Sabzwari confirmed the assassination attempt on Khawaja Izhar, saying the suspects were wearing police uniforms.
Murder attempt on Sindh Opp leader @IzharulHassan of MQM by armed men in Police Uniform. A police officer, 1 citizen & one attacker killed
— M. Jibran Nasir 🇵🇸 (@MJibranNasir) September 2, 2017
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