KARACHI, Feb 17: The Pakistan People’s Party has demanded an independent investigation into what it alleged “an attempt to murder” the party’s central information secretary and MNA, Sherry Rehman, during a February 14 rally staged to protest against rigging in the by-elections in Sindh.

Speaking at a press conference at the Bilawal House on Saturday, PPP Sindh president Syed Qaim Ali Shah said the attack on Ms Rehman was a continuity of the state atrocities on PPP leaders and workers.

He said an application had been submitted to the Preedy police station seeking registration of an FIR against Mrs Ulfat Bhatti, the woman who allegedly attacked with the intention to kill Ms Rehman on the truck in collusion, conspiracy and under instigation of the members of the ruling coalition parties.

He said Ms Rehman was targeted at the behest of the government as she was its vocal opponent.

“The attack on Sherry Rehman is an outcome of the threats and derogatory remarks being given by the chief minister, Arbab Rahim, against the PPP leadership,” he added.

On the occasion, the footage of the rally was shown to journalists pointing out a woman behind Ms Rehman at the truck, which was used as the stage. Mr Shah said the woman identified herself as Ulfat Bhatti, the managing editor of daily Qaumi Adalat, and she also came to the hospital where Ms Rehman was under treatment.

He demanded that the government launch an independent probe into the murder attempt.