Two killed as MQM's Izharul Hassan survives assassination attempt

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Khawaja Izharul Hassan survived an assassination attempt in Bufferzone area early Saturday morning, as he was leaving a mosque after offering Eid-ul-Azha prayers.

A child, as well as one of Hassan's security guards, succumbed to their wounds, Deputy Inspector General Police (DIGP)-West Zulfiqar Ali Larik said a few minutes after the attack.

Larik said that in the retaliatory fire, a terrorist was also killed at the spot.

Earlier, Hassan, who is the leaderof the opposition in the Sindh Assembly, said that while he remained uninjured in the attack, two of his guards and a citizen received gunshot wounds. According to the latest updates, five people have been wounded in the attack.

Faisal Sabzwari, a senior party member had earlier said that 3-4 people were injured in the gunfire attack.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi condemned the assassination attempt on Hassan and summoned a report of the incident from concerned authorities.

Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal also telephoned MQM-P Chief Farooq Sattar and DG Rangers Sindh to ensure complete cooperation in catching the culprits.

Helmets, police uniforms

Four assailants on two motorcycles opened fire on the MQM-P leader as he exited the mosque after Namaz-e-Eid, Larik explained.

"They were wearing helmets and were garbed in police uniforms," Hassan stated, adding that the assailants opened fire right after they saw him exiting the prayer area.

The DIG went on to mention that police gave a chase to the assailants and an exchange of gunfire also took place, leading to the death of one of the attackers. A second assailant, however, managed to escape getting caught.

The shell of a 9mm pistol bullet was also found from the crime scene, Larik added.

The injured were moved to the metropolis' Abbasi Shaheed Hospital.

‘Trying to identify attackers, will arrest them soon’

Inspector General of Police AD Khawaja spoke to media as he and AIG Counter-terrorism Department reached the site after the attack. He said that Khawaja Izhar upon seeing the ‘suspicious policemen’ asked for them to be checked, however, the attackers opened fire in return.

IG Sindh Khawaja said that police is trying to identify the culprits behind the attack and will arrest them soon.

He said that the firing by attackers caused stampede. The shells recovered from the site of incident will go through forensic checking, said IG Sindh. 

‘Sindh govt not entirely blameless’

Muttahida Quami Movement Pakistan leader Farooq Sattar said that no one including Leader of Opposition in Sindh Assembly Khawaja Izhar is safe.

He said the Sindh government cannot avert from security lapse and put blame on local government.

Senior MQM-P leader Sattar, while earlier addressing media here following the assassination attempt on Khwaja Izhar, said he strongly condemns the incident.

"Some elements are hell bent on trying to create divides amongst us," Farooq commented. He also slammed the provincial government, saying that "if something happens to any of us, it is the Sindh government that will be responsible".

Karachi Mayor Waseem Akhtar visited Izhar's residence and condemned the attack on the MQM-P leader. “Today, we have to express determination that the entire nation is united against terrorism,” said Akhtar.

Leader of Opposition Khursheed Shah said that if the perpetrators of the attack on Khawaja Izhar aren’t caught then the situation can lead to similar attacks in future.