Ahsan murder attempt: 17 more suspects held as JIT launches probe

GUJRANWALA: A joint investigation team (JIT) probing the assassination attempt on Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal began work on Tuesday and acquired the mobile-phone data of primary suspect Abid Hussain.

According to sources, police have handed over the record of the initial probe to the JIT.

Ahsan Iqbal was shot at and injured on Sunday during a rally in his constituency Narowal. One Abid was caught by the police immediately after he shot at the minister. The accused had reportedly confessed to his crime, saying he had bought the weapon used in the incident from a local with Rs15,000.

The record of a telephonic conversation between Abid and rally organiser, Gulfam, had been acquired by the police and handed over to the JIT, sources told Geo News. Abid and Gulfam’s accomplice, Azeem, is also in police custody, sources added. Police sources said the JIT had decided to expand the scope of investigation into the case. Further, 17 more suspects have been detained during raids across Narowal in connection with the assassination attempt.

The detained suspects have been taken to an undisclosed location for investigation, sources said. The JIT will submit a report to Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. On Monday, the Punjab government reconstituted the JIT an hour after it was formed to probe the attack on Ahsan Iqbal.

Meanwhile, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif visited Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal at Services Hospital, Lahore to inquire about his health and prayed for his early recovery.