Convoy of Ali Musa Gilani, son of former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, was attacked by unidentified assailants in Mehmoodabad area of Multan.
The incident reportedly occurred when the convoy was passing by the house of Union Council Chairman Ejaz Dogar, who belongs to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). All the people remained safe during the firing incident.
Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Syed Kaleem Imam said two of the alleged assailants have been arrested and further investigation is underway.
Ali Musa Gilani is contesting the upcoming general election from NA-157 constituency. Shah Shams police has reportedly registered a case against 20 people over involvement in the attack. Those named in the FIR include Ejaz Dogar, Sajjad Ahmed, Asad Awan, Nauman, and Hanif.
Later talking to reporters, Gilani said that they had demanded security from the administration but adequate security was not being provided to any of the candidates despite clear terror threat warnings by NACTA. He said that during the campaign of previous general elections, his brother Ali Haider Gilani was abducted and recovered after three years from Afghanistan.
“Pakistan People’s Party is always on the hit list of assailants and terrorists,” he said, adding that sufficient security should be provided to PPP candidates during the election campaign. Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has, meanwhile, taken notice of the matter and issued directives for provision of security to Ali Musa Gilani. Punjab IGP said that two ‘culprits’ had already been arrested and a detailed report on the incident has been submitted to the ECP secretary. He said that Punjab Police was providing security to all the candidates as directed by the commission. While responding to the incident, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto demanded that an inquiry be initiated against those responsible for the attack. “Bullets, hurdles and restrictions cannot stop PPP from continuing on its path,” he said, adding that the ECP should take notice of such incidents.
Published in Daily Times, July 21st 2018.