Twitter alert: Marvi Sirmed attacked!
A columnist and human rights campaigner, Marvi Sirmed, escaped unhurt when the car she was traveling in came under attack on Friday in Islamabad as suggested by users of social network Twitter.
Columnist Nusrat Javeed tweeted that Marvi’s car, being driven by her husband Manzoor Sirmed, was fired at. However, the couple remained “unharmed but shaken”, tweeted another user.
Geo News Urdu tweeted quoting Marvi as saying that she has survived the attack and has informed the police about it.
Marvi Sirmed told The Express Tribune that as they were traveling, they encountered a car with black tinted windows parked in front. Someone pulled out a gun from within the car and fired twice at them. Marvi said that they ducked and turned their car around. At this point the assailant fired at them once more. She said that they approached the nearest police checkpost, but by the time they returned to the scene of the crime, the assailant's car had disappeared. Marvi said that she did not know who could have attacked her.
A senior police official told The Express Tribune that anyone could have attacked her. Police officials also recorded Marvi's statement at her residence.
"I have asked a detailed report on fringing on the car of Ms.Maravi Sirmd. I have spoken to her and also arranged security at her residence."
Earlier, a Facebook page had reportedly posted details of Sirmed's residence and called for her to be "shot on sight."
Here are a few tweets on the incident:
There has been firing on the car of Marvi Sarmad was driving; time to file the FIR.
Both Marvi and Sarmad are at home. They are OK. I am in active contact with them.
Must wholly condemn the firing incident on Marvi and her husband
Marvi Sirmed survives assassination. Even God is on their side!
All our prayers are with Marvi.. Yes! It is scary .... Hope Govt. Of Pakistan provide her and family security ASAP
Log in after many hours. School teacher being hounded for blasphemy. Marvi Sirmed shot at. Put head in hand & weep for having been born here