PML-N leader Sheikh Aftab escapes unhurt in gun attack

ATTOCK: Gunshots were fired at former Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Sheikh Aftab’s car here on Monday night. He luckily escaped unhurt in the gun attack, ARY News reported.

According to police, unidentified assailants opened fire at the car of the PML-N leader within the limits of City police station here as he was going back home after attending a rally in connection with the election campaign near Kamra. He, however, remained unhurt.

The PML-N leader, who is contesting election from NA-55 (Attock-I), later told media that gunshots were fired at his car but he remained safe.

Following the firing incident, police personnel reached the crime scene and began a search for culprits.

This is the latest incident in string of attacks on election candidates. A day earlier, Awami National Party (ANP) leader Daud Khan Achakzai narrowly escaped death when armed men shot and injured him in Chaman.

It may be noted here that 21 people including ANP candidate Haroon Bashir Bilour were killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up during a corner meeting in Peshawar’s Yakatoot area on July 10.

Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) candidate Nawabzada Siraj Raisani was among 130 people killed in a suicide attack on an election rally in the Mastung area. Around 150 people were injured in the tragic incident.

A bomb targeted the convoy of Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) candidate and former chief minister Akram Khan Durrani in Bannu. He, however, escaped unhurt while four people were killed and 14 others injured in the attack.