MQM’s Khawaja Izhar survives assassination attempt, two killed

KARACHI - Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) senior leader Khawaja Izharul Hassan escaped an assassination attempt as he was leaving a mosque after offering Eid-ul-Azha prayers early Saturday morning here in Buffer Zone area.

Hassan's security guard and a child were killed and five others were injured. Rescue officials shifted the deceased and the injured to the hospital, Deputy Inspector General Police (DIGP)-West Zulfiqar Ali Larik said a few minutes after the attack.

At least 4 including @IzharulHassan guards injured pic.twitter.com/uczYrSScsd

— Faisal Subzwari (@faisalsubzwari) September 2, 2017

Four assailants on two motorcycles opened fire on the MQM-P leader as he exited the mosque after Namaz-e-Eid, Larik explained.

The DIG went on to mention that police gave a chase to the assailants and an exchange of gunfire also took place, leading to the death of one of the attackers. A second assailant, however, managed to escape getting caught.

Assassination attempt on @IzharulHassan in BufferZone,he escaped,no info about other casualties,apparently terrorists were in Police Uniform

— Faisal Subzwari (@faisalsubzwari) September 2, 2017

The shell of a 9mm pistol bullet was also found from the crime scene, Larik added.The injured were moved to the metropolis' Abbasi Shaheed Hospital.

Khawaja Izharul Hassan while narrating the incident said:"They were wearing helmets and were garbed in police uniforms, adding that the assailants opened fire right after they saw him exiting the prayer area".

MQM-P leaders condemned the incident and demanded an impartial inquiry into the attack.