MPA Asad Khokhar's brother killed after assailants open fire during son's wedding in Lahore

Published August 6, 2021
MPA Malik Asad Ali Khokhar. — Photo courtesy Facebook/File
MPA Malik Asad Ali Khokhar. — Photo courtesy Facebook/File

MPA Malik Asad Ali Khokhar's brother, Mubashir Khokhar, was killed after unknown assailants opened fire during the MPA's son's wedding in Lahore on Friday.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Dr Shahbaz Gill said that the attackers had opened fire after coming close to Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar's car, who was also present at the wedding ceremony being held in Defence.

The attacker has been arrested by the chief minister's security team, he added.

Punjab government spokesperson Mussarat Cheema also disclosed that the chief minister was present in the ceremony when the firing occurred.

"A large number of people were present in the ceremony. Asad Khokhar remained safe. The chief minister and other personalities are safe," she added. "A jeep exited at high speed when I reached there."

A police spokesperson also said that the attacker was arrested. "Mubashir Khokar was taken to the hospital in a critically injured condition [but] he did not survive," he added.

Police said evidence was being collected from the site of the incident and a case would be registered after a complaint was received.

Meanwhile, CM Buzdar took notice of the incident and directed the inspector general of police to submit a report in this regard.

A statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office said that Buzdar had ordered an inquiry into security arrangements for the wedding, directing that further action be taken against those found responsible for any lapses.

"Action should be taken against the arrested suspect in accordance with the law," the statement quoted Buzdar as saying.

The statement further said that according to initial investigations, the firing appeared to be the result of a "personal enmity".

Asad Khokar had met Buzdar at the Chief Minister's Office earlier today. During the meeting, Buzdar decided to re-appoint Khokar as a provincial minister.

The MPA was due to take oath of office tomorrow, according to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office. However, the statement did not mention what portfolio would be assigned to Khokar, who had previously held the charge of minister for wildlife and fisheries before being asked to resign in July 2020.

Opinion

Editorial

Rigging claims
Updated 04 May, 2024

Rigging claims

The PTI’s allegations are not new; most elections in Pakistan have been controversial, and it is almost a given that results will be challenged by the losing side.
Gaza’s wasteland
04 May, 2024

Gaza’s wasteland

SINCE the start of hostilities on Oct 7, Israel has put in ceaseless efforts to depopulate Gaza, and make the Strip...
Housing scams
04 May, 2024

Housing scams

THE story of illegal housing schemes in Punjab is the story of greed, corruption and plunder. Major players in these...
Under siege
Updated 03 May, 2024

Under siege

Whether through direct censorship, withholding advertising, harassment or violence, the press in Pakistan navigates a hazardous terrain.
Meddlesome ways
03 May, 2024

Meddlesome ways

AFTER this week’s proceedings in the so-called ‘meddling case’, it appears that the majority of judges...
Mass transit mess
03 May, 2024

Mass transit mess

THAT Karachi — one of the world’s largest megacities — does not have a mass transit system worth the name is ...