KARACHI, April 7: While slamming the government for failing to apprehend killers of MPA Abdullah Murad, opposition leader in the Sindh Assembly Nisar Khuhro on Wednesday pointed out that some persons fired gunshots at the residence of the MPA's father-in-law.

Addressing a news conference in his assembly chambers, Mr Khuhro said that on the one hand, the treasury members were sympathizing with the opposition on the killing of Mr Murad, and, on the other, they were levelling baseless accusations. He said that while the assembly was debating the incident, such attacks had exposed the government's hollow claims.

He deplored that the government was asleep over the Tuesday night firing incident. Replying to a question, he said: "We tried to draw the government's attention during the assembly proceedings, but no response was available and nobody seemed to be concerned."

In reply to another question, Mr Khuhro said that after consulting lawyers, he would be able to say something about lodging of an FIR by Abdullah Murad's relatives with regard to the MPA's killing. He said that Abdullah Murad was instrumental in building pressure for the arrest of Hajra and Sassi.

In the context of May 12 by-elections, Mr Khuhro said that consultation with 'friends' were under way and modalities would be firmed up after some time. Deputy parliamentary leader of the MMA Nasrullah Shaji and Secretary General of the Sindh PPP Rashid Rabbani were also present at the news conference.