ISLAMABAD, Dec 13: An under-trial prisoner (UTP) narrowly escaped a second attempt on his life within three months on the premises of the districts courts in F-8 Markaz on Tuesday, police said.

Like in the previous incident, this time too he sustained a bullet injury.

In the last attack on September 17, a gunman appeared outside the district courts and fired multiple shots at the prisoner who is facing charges of murder and kidnapping for ransom. A police constable was also hit by a bullet in that incident.

The second attempt on his life was a major security lapse as he was under threat and had informed the police and the court that his rivals would try to kill him.

The handcuffed under-trial prisoner, Rana Mohammad Sarwat, was waiting outside the court of Civil Judge Sumayya Asad, when a man in the garb of a lawyer appeared and put the pistol to his temple.

Before the attacker pulled the trigger, Sarwat ducked and saved himself from the bullet aimed at his temple, but it hit him in the back, injuring him.

The attacker tried to escape but was overpowered by people standing there.

The gunshot created panic on the court premises and visitors, lawyers, policemen and civil defence officials ran for cover.

The injured under-trial prisoner was taken to a hospital while the attacker, identified as Mohammad Iqbal, was shifted to Margalla police station. According to preliminary interrogation, the attacker was hired by one of Sarwat’s victims.