Pakistan

Shuja Khanzada, the spearhead of Punjab's anti-terror movement

Preliminary report suggests attack on Khanzada was in retaliation of LeJ chief's killing

Web Desk August 16, 2015

PHOTO: REUTERS

Punjab Home Minister Shuja Khanzada, the front man of Punjab’s fight against terrorism was killed in a suicide attack at his political office near Shadi Khan Village in Hazro near Attock on Sunday.

Son of Yousaf Khanzada, Khanzada was born into a Pakhtun family belonging to the Yousufzai clan, according to his profile at the Punjab Assembly website.

He belonged to an influential family and his grandfather, Captain Ajab Khan had served as a member in the Indian Legislative Assembly. His uncle, late Captain (retd) Taj Muhammad Khanzada was also a veteran parliamentarian who also served in Majlis-e-Shura.

After graduating from Islamia College, Peshawar in 1966, he was commissioned in Pakistan Army in 1967 and participated actively in 1971 Indo-Pak war that led to the creation of Bangladesh.

Shuja Khanzada in his youth. PHOTO COURTESY: TWITTER/@mughalbha

In the military, Khanzada served as an instructor during 1974-78, and commander 3 Lancers from 1982-83. He was awarded “Tamgha-e-Basalat” in 1988.

Read: Punjab Home Minister Shuja Khanzada killed in Attock suicide blast

Being among the first few to reach Siachin Glacier in 1983, he also served as a Military Attache to the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington DC, during 1992-94; and was later seconded to the Embassy of Pakistan as Minister Information.

Following his retirement from the military, Khanzada entered politics and was elected as a member of the Punjab Assembly in 2002. He served as special adviser to the chief minister and also held a ministry portfolio.

He returned to the assembly in 2008 and worked as Chairman Chief Minister’s Task Forces on Agriculture and Police Training Reforms before his most recent appointment as Punjab home minister in October 2014.

Reading: ‘Khanzada attack in retaliation of LeJ chief's killing’

Khanzada was reportedly under threats, particularly after Malik Ishaq was killed along with fellow Laskhar-e-Jhangvi militants in Punjab last month.

A preliminary report regarding the attack on Khanzada suggested it was in retaliation for two major actions of Punjab Police in the province, sources told The Express Tribune.

COMMENTS (7)

nk | 9 years ago | Reply how is it that our useless, no good, money grabbing, immoral, uneducated mna's and mpa's who have not done an ounce of good for their constituencies roam around with 3 police cruisers and an armed battalion of guards protecting their every move, and yet somehow so important and vital, someone in such a prominent and exposed position had none of that. just goes to show you that the people that actually want to serve their country don't care about all these extra things. its the ones who are in politics as a business to loot the country want legions of guards surrounding them at all time, because all they want from the state is perks.

sabi | 9 years ago | Reply @Gp65: Welcome back. BTW how do you relate NS with terrorists is beyond comprehensions.

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sabi | 9 years ago | Reply In next few weeks will be expecting bulldozers digging mass graves for terrorists. RIP Mr Khanzada.

Mak | 9 years ago | Reply RIP sir. Your services to the country will not go in vain. We salute your services to the nation. @zulqarnain - why don't you talk comrade. You don't talk to mad dogs...you put them to sleep. You should have realized that by now. And it's very disrespectful of you not to condole the demise of someone who sacrificed his life for not only your but your children's future. Shameful.

Gp65 | 9 years ago | Reply Not surprising that Imran and Nawaz would mourn a terror supporter like Hamid Gul while staying silent about the martyrdom of Khanzada who had taken the fight to the sectarian terrorists fearlessly.

Punjabi | 9 years ago | Reply The pride of Pakistan and Punjab. The lion who roared and took the enemies of Pakistan head on. A gallant, daring and strong person who called spade a spade. We will always remember Shuja Khanzada Shaheed.

Zulqarnain | 9 years ago | Reply Pakistan must hold talks with the terrorists.

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