LAHORE: Gunmen shot dead a doctor from the minority Ahmadi community on Monday in Chenab Nagar town in Punjab province, officials said, the latest attack on the beleaguered group.

Mehdi Ali, a 50-year-old heart surgeon normally based in the United States, was attacked as he visited a cemetery in the town of Chenab Nagar.

“Two gunmen riding on a motorbike shot dead a cardiac surgeon, Dr Mehdi Ali outside the Ahmadi graveyard in Chenab Nagar,” local police official Ahmed Ali told news agency AFP.

He said the incident occurred early on Monday morning when the doctor was going to the graveyard with his family.


Related: Blasphemy accused Ahmadi man gunned down in Punjab


“The assailants have fled the scene. We are looking into the incident. It seems to be a targeted attack,” Ali said.

Saleem Uddin, a spokesman for the Ahmadi community, confirmed the incident and said the doctor’s family escaped the attack unharmed.

The doctor was in Pakistan on a short visit to do voluntary work at the Tahir Cardiac Hospital, a private institution that he himself helped build a few years back.


Also read: US panel urges action on Pakistan religious freedom


Opinion

Editorial

Missing links
Updated 27 Apr, 2024

Missing links

As the past decades have shown, the country has not been made more secure by ‘disappearing’ people suspected of wrongdoing.
Freedom to report?
27 Apr, 2024

Freedom to report?

AN accountability court has barred former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife from criticising the establishment...
After Bismah
27 Apr, 2024

After Bismah

BISMAH Maroof’s contribution to Pakistan cricket extends beyond the field. The 32-year old, Pakistan’s...
Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...