File photo of Ali Haider Gilani. PHOTO: APP/FILE
MULTAN: The youngest son of former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, Ali Haider Gilani, was kidnapped after an attack on a Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) gathering in Multan on Thursday.
Unidentified gunmen came in two cars and opened fire at the political gathering taking place in Farrukh Town which lies in the PP-200 constituency. Ali Haider was contesting on the PP-200 seat against Shaukat Bosan of Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N).
Reports started to flood in, hours after the incident, stating that the kidnappers along with Gillani were present in the Kabirwala area, in district Khanewal.
Khanewal is reportedly a hiding spot for banned organisations like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ).
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari ordered the ECP, government and investigative agencies to ensure peaceful elections and recover former PM’s son, president’s spokesperson Senator Farhatullah Babar said.
The sources revealed that kidnappers disposed of Ali Haider Gillani’s mobile phone, which was the only device that could be used to track down their location.
A member of the kidnappers was reportedly caught by private guards and handed over to the police but the authorities are not disclosing this yet. He provided some sensitive information.
Ali Haider's personal secretary, Muhammad Muhiuddin, died on the spot after the firing incident, while eight others sustained injuries. Another injured person succumbed to his wounds at Nishtar Hospital.
Eyewitnesses told The Express Tribune that a bullet had also hit Ali Haider as he was bleeding when the kidnappers dragged him into a car.
They added that the kidnappers came on two cars and two motorcycles and were around 16 in number. They all had long beards, the eyewitnesses further said.
Ali Haider’s brother Ali Musa Gilani, speaking to the media, said that PPP will not let elections take place in any constituency of Multan if Ali Haider is not traced and recovered till tonight.
Musa added that his party members were not carrying weapons nor keeping any guards as per Election Commission of Pakistan’s code of conduct. “There was no security, no weapons. They [gunmen] came and easily took him [Ali Haider] away.”
Abdul Qadir Gilani, the former PM’s eldest son, also shared the same opinion and said that his party has been deprived of all security measures besides direct threats from the Taliban.
Yousaf Raza Gilani urged all PPP supporters to remain silent and to pray for his son's recovery. "Everything will happen according to the law," he said.
Police officials told The Express Tribune that the target of the attack was Yousaf Raza Gilani, who was also present at the meeting. The gunmen kidnapped his son on being unable to kill the former prime minister.
Another police officer, Ghulam Mohammad Dogar confirmed the abduction. “It is definitely an act of terrorists,” he told reporters.
Police sealed all entry and exit points of the city after the incident, and the Inspector General (IG) of Punjab Police summoned a report from the RPO Multan.
Protests by PPP supporters erupted across the city after the incident.
Yousaf Raza Gilani had informed the district administration and the government of Pakistan of receiving death and kidnapping threats from the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had cancelled all major political gatherings due to be held today across the country ahead of the general elections.
The TTP had threatened to attack the PPP, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and the Awami National Party (ANP), terming them 'secular'. Several attacks on these parties have been reported ahead of the elections, which have been claimed by the TTP.
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COMMENTS (82)
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my heart goest out to haider, no matter what, a life is very imnportant, ask the bereaved family, irrelevant of "what you sow, so shall you reap" , a child should not pay through his life for the follies of elders. i pray from the depth of my heart that may he is returned and united with his family asap, amin.
This is just a Topi drama. Guy will be back after elections. Our politicians can go to any extend to deceive people. I don't believe Gilanis nor I have any sympathy for them.
This is just a Topi drama. Guy will be back after elections. Our politicians can go to any extend to deceive people. I don't believe Gilanis nor I have any sympathy for them.
In such circumstances fair elections not possible.
It is not personalities that matter, LAW AND ORDER FOR ALL PAKISTANIS Matter, all, all.
i will pray for god
@Musheer: this is the same sympathy which PPP has always used historically to seek votes.....
Sad. But does anyone even remember late Gvernor Salman Taseer's son who has been kidnapped for almost two years now???
@muk mukka, there is a world outside elections, in in which every bad act should be condemned, I am amazed how educated ppl somehow link every tragedy nd incident with election, ppl dying are real, ppl sufferings are real and it has nothing to do with who wins so called battle for naya pakistan. Its everyone's pakistan
They should add his name to the missing persons list.....i just want to say....welcome to the common man's Pakistan where you dont have 100 security personal
Does not matter it happens everyday in Pakistan...life goes on
May God Keep Haider safe and sound.
This is a cowardly act whoever carried it out. But why were there no CCTV or cameras. They knew the threat, they could have taken precautions, someone must have shot a video of the incident. But afterall its the PML-N who were ruling Punjab.
Each Sympathy Vote that the people gave in 2008 has costed Pakistan tremendous miseries for 5 long years.
Don't be emotionally blackmailed... Burry your Emotions.Vote Sensibly!
RoshanPakistanThis is what I wrote in the Imran injury news; and it is worth repeating here:
Sad news. Does anyone know anymore what is going on in Pakistan, and who is in control ? All I see is total chaos.
Whatever the political differences no one deserved to be treated this way rich or poor, there has to be a rule of law. A crime should be condemned. I hope he gets back safely.
Lets hope the kidnappers are professionals and would strike a deal. Long long time ago, around 15 years back, the then IG Sindh was in Karachi Chamber of Commerce for a meeting with traders on law and order. The official said and I quote him, "We can control to some extent the normal crime, but the politically motivated crimes are out of our control." The Taliban represent an ideology, their actions are for the fulfillment of their ideological goal and only an idea can defeat an idea. We cannot defeat a thought by guns. It is sad that the idea the Taliban are fighting for has sympathizers among us, so until such time, the ideology of Talkiban is denounced by the people by and large, their actions would continue.
Classic. So basically these 16 gunmen wanted to kill Gillani Sr. but couldn't so they thought, hey let's kidnap his son, from a PPP gathering in Gillani's stronghold? Seems like a badly written plot of a B-grade crime movie. Showing sympathy is fine, but blindly accepting anything we hear is and not questioning something as tooth-fairy sounding as this is a little naive. I'm pretty sure he's gonna turn up unharmed in a matter of days.
Wow, check out his Louis Vuitton glasses.. Awam kay paisay!
I am shocked by the inhuman comments of the PTI supporters..THe whole country expressed shock over IK incident but PTI cant see beyond their narrow vision...IK lost my symphaties and vote long ago due to this arrogant behaviour....
I see some of the comments by ordinary people here and then I am not so shocked with the kind of news coming from my country. This is an act that every normal sane person should condemn. Here people are talking about sympathy vote and all kind of garbage. No family should go through what Yousuf's family is going through. People actually died too. I guess we have become really BAYHISS.
@oops.... why do you guys have to interfere everywhere ?? what is the point of bringing India in this discussion. The security situation in India is no better than Pakistan, kids being raped on a daily basis ??
"now symphty vote for PPPP ??? those who intended to vote for IK aftr his injury will surely vote for PPPP now !!"
@patwaari
No sorry. PPP's sympathy account is "over drawn". Getting votes based on sympathy will not cut it this time. As far this kidnapping is concerned, my sympathies but election cannot be stopped for one person.
Respect for his family and dua that he comes homes safe. In sha ALLAH. But i would like to make a general point if PPP Had done something in the five years such as security, better police and fight terrorism, maybe today this wouldn't of happened. But I hope he is safe.
@expaki: @vasan: Salman Taseer's son, Shahbaz Taseer was released by the kidnappers in February after payment of a ransom and an agreement with the kidnapers. He immediately moved to Dubai along with his wife.
Your erstwhile PM's son gets kidnapped, your current President's son is bundled out of the country because of threats to his life. This is the state of affairs in the land of pure and amidst this chaos your administration has time to issue travel advisory to your countrymen travelling to India! Grow up guys...your political bosses are unable to take care of their own kin and you expect them to provide security to the 'awam'.
@Maddy Full points!
Holding PML(N) responsible for this unfortunate incident is a very irresponsible statement. Both PPP and PTI are sensing defeat. One is falling from sky, the other is vanishing.
@Furqan: let him come..he ll get moderate once he visit Dolmen Mall karachi on weekend
@shzi: Can YOU name those who did it? with some evidence
Political leaders and rallies / meetings have been attacked, innocent lives have been lost but no abduction till now except this one. Why has he been abducted is a big perplexing question? What could be the motive behind it? I do sympathize with them but it is that Gillanis will not let any election held in Multan if former PM's youngest son Ali Haider Gillani contesting for PA seat is not recovered till tonight. ECP can cancel pa election from where Ali was contesting but nothing beyond. One must be prudent even in adversities. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Kuwait / iqbalhadizaidi.formerdiplomat@hotmail.com
Shame be on those who paint the victim as guilty.
This time the ECP appears least bothered to take the executive majestracy fully on board on time to make election security more effective. Today I contacted a number of presiding officers who were not informed about the security arrangements for 10th and 11th May, notwithstanding the precarious law and order situation in the KPK. Previously, in almost all elections it were the executive majesterates who were called to do the necessary homework for election security at least a week before the polling day and presiding officers were informed about the security cover and logistic support at least two days before the polling day.
zaalimo! Mullah Umer is coming. Pakistan will be like Jannat. just wait. present lliberal lot will become history.
@Maddy Buhahahahahahaha What a shot !!!!! n e ways feel sorry for his son, it is never pleasant to lose a loved one
Condemnable Incident..!! No matter how much you have differences with these politicians, but on humanity basis, this should be condemned, as today they are kidnapping them, tommorow would be our turn
they have done enough rule on Pakistan and should bear cost of security....no police escort for them otherwise who is compelling you to come to power
I really feel about Gilani and his family (all acts of terrorism shall be condemned).
But Mosa Gilani's claim that he will not let elections in his constituency is bit too far and blaming interim government for all law and order situations when Salman Taseer's son is missing when Yousuf Raza Gillani was PM. More importantly, during Gilani's tenure thousands of common Pakistanis were killed or went missing.
But at the same time I pray for his safe recovery as I do for every victim (common citizen).
@Aviator:Free and fair elections? The TTP are in control now
Muslims always dream of living in an Islamic state with one Khalifa. Every one should help TTP lead Pakistan.
Not Pakistan's war. Yet. What happened to the Governor's son who was also kidnapped??
@patwari: you have only spoken your bitter mentality, a typical patwari mentality!
Very unfortunate, pray for safe n urgent recovery of his son. PPP is being targeted by terrorists and it's supporters. I am not supporter of PPP but besides ANP n MQM it is only party which speak against terrorists and is liberal n secular in its outlook. Those urban educated upper middle class people who hate these secular parties have themselves very liberal life style but these foolish guys support terrorists n their ideological brothers without thinking what is at stake for them. If God forbid Taliban increase it's control which is now appearing reality in near future they will convert Pakistan in new Afghanistan where every adult male have to sport long beard n women will b deprived from education n can not travel without Moharram. Our urban educated class still have no realization what is at stake for them n country if they continue to support Taliban n their ideologues.
What sort of elections are being held in Pakistan where people, parties and candidates are being killed, abducted and intimidated ? Where is the law and order machinery under whose nose this mayhem is happening ? TTP is the only organisation who appears to be in full control and given free run to conduct blasts, kill and abduct. To make matter worst, the CEC has disallowed private security guards, whereas the security arrangements provided by the state are totally inadequate. CEC has categorically stated that military security arrangements for elections are unsatisfactory. Under such adverse circumstances it would be a suicidal move to conduct elections in Pakistan which might result in the loss of hundreds of innocent lives.
@Maher: Simply Excellent, I endorse your comments. I am still laughing.
@Noman Ansari: Ansari sahib, you are right. but ever thought of Mrs. Amna, who lost not only her husband Gov. Taseer, but her son is missing since years. How about that girl? she is a real daughter of Punjab and Pakistan.
You reap what you sow. Giallani's have committed several crimes when they were in power and now obviously someone has decided to settle the score. As for Musa Gillani, the less said about him the better. Whether they contest or not, no one cares. Elections will go on as planned, no one cares about the Gillanis.
Why don't they leave? Who is stopping them?
@bulbul: condemn!!!! really, but you and khan sahab can't name those who did that, just like malala case. Am I right???????
Sincere sympathy from India to ex PM Gilani and his family ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ and my prayers that his son returns home safe and sound.
@Musheer: did i talk abt sympathies or sympathy votes ??? learn to read before advising me to grow up!
Another sad incident, i am amazed by the ppl who are saying its a political stunt. I think we should all realize that in all the election fiasco we should not forget basic humanitarian morals. If someone is killed or harmed it should be condemned regardless of his caste, political party of race. New Pakistan cannot be made by one party winning the election and all others being kidnapped and killed.
Ali Haider’s brother Ali Musa Gilani, speaking to the media, said that PPP will not let elections take place in any constituency of Multan if Ali Haider is not traced and recovered till tonight.
is that a threat?? all smells of #conspiracyto postpone elections as #PPP is gonna lose
@Dar: Your post is what disgusts me about Naya Pakistan and hardcore PTI supporters. Uneducated, uncouth delinquents supporting a single man while disregarding everyone else to the point of irrational thought.
My sympathies with the Gillani family, but this DOES NOT give them the right to threaten the electoral process in Multan. If you listen to Musa's statement closely, one of the men standing by him yells: "Aag laga dain gay Multan ko" (We'll set Multan on fire). That's just ridiculous!
@patwaari: Grow up. I am not a PPP or Gilani supporter, but at this moment all my thoughts and sympathies are with the Gilani family in this hour of stress for them. May their son return back quickly and safely.
Free and fair elections? The TTP are in control now
Gillani's son should have left from Pakistan, WHO WAS STOP HIM!!
sad incident
A sad new, but still no "hamdardi" vote this time. Sorry!
Sad day for Gillani. Sadder day for Pakistan. Now we will have subsequent kidnappings in the next five years.
Hope he is recovered unharmed soon, In Shaa Allah.
Having said that, I understand that this is a developing story by Express Tribune but why is there why are the initial report & updated one in completely different directions? First report said it was among two groups of PPP...NO?
Sad. Alas! Target killing, bomb blast, kidnapping do not happen in Pakistan. If there is no justice, there will be no peace.
Does really matter
We Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf members condemn this highly. One should be allowed to campaign in peace and allow the nation to decide their candidates. Not with violence.
Nothinig to worry about IK will negotiate his release within 90 days.
I would blame PPP for this incident. They failed to keep law and order in the country and now they are facing the same lawlessness. Still feel for the gilani family. they deserve sympathy but not votes.
I wonder how they manage to identify the caller to be a TTP spokesmen, when in Karachi they show even their faces and still know as NAMALOOM!!!!!!! they prayed for us to be remained as a fooled nation.
Needed sympathy votes . couldn't get anyone killed this time around, so decided on the next best option.
@oops: Do you guys suffer from some inferiority complex? By dragging India in everything? How Sanaullah was "avenged" for a declared RAW operative is now seen by the whole world. Try to focus on you own backyard.
Extremely sad incident. We, the PTI supporters condemn it in the strongest possible manner.
This is not a news which should be given importance. For me more important news is the fire in LDA building in Lahore. Please pray for the people who are trapped in that building.
@patwaari: I doubt they will.
Thoughts and prayers with the Gillani's- Haider is wounded with a bullet before he was kidnapped. This thing should be condemned- regardless if you a PTI- PML supporter.
While I don't like Gilani I feel really bad for him. This is terrible news! If it is Taliban he is going to be in trouble. :( No one deserves this.
Patwaari grow up. Not everything is about political analysis.
Anything can happen in Pakistan. Strange nation.
No they wont
funny Pakistan have issued a warning to its citizens to exercise extreme caution in India.
now symphty vote for PPPP ??? those who intended to vote for IK aftr his injury will surely vote for PPPP now !!