Police have arrested four persons involved in an armed attack on the Dera of PML-N MPA Colonel (retd) Sardar Ayub Khan Ghadi in Toba Tek Singh, injuring him seriously while killing four other people, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Monday.
Three people were also injured in the attack including Sardar Ayub Ghadi who received serious wounds while four of his companions were killed after unidentified gunmen opened fire at his Dera in Toba Tek Singh.
Police registered a first information report (FIR) on behalf of MPA Ayub Ghadi’s brother.
Police said that Ayub Ghadi was listening to public’s complaints when suddenly nine assailants entered the Dera in Rajana and sprayed bullets on them.
MPA Ayub Ghadi received one bullet in his leg and five in his arms. He was shifted to the nearby hospital in critical condition.
The sudden burst of gunfire triggered panic in the area as police and rescue teams rushed to the scene shortly after the attack.
Investigators reached the crime scene along with forensic experts, who collected evidence and began examining the area to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack. Investigators also recorded statements from witnesses present at the scene.
The four deceased were identified as Zagheem Abbas, Nadeem, Haq Nawaz and Khaliq Dad.
The police registered the FIR against six nominated attackers and three unidentified persons under sections 302, 324, 148 and 149. Six of the nine accused were named as Wasif, Rashid Pasran, Sohail Afzal, Tasveer Afzal, Farman Ali and Imran Ali.
Police said the assailants managed to flee after the shooting, and a search operation was launched in nearby areas to trace and arrest those involved. Authorities have yet to confirm the motive behind the attack.
The incident drew immediate attention from the Punjab police leadership. Inspector General of Punjab Police Abdul Karim took notice of the shooting and sought a detailed report from the Regional Police Officer of Faisalabad.
The Punjab police chief also directed officials to ensure the immediate arrest of the suspects involved in the attack. Security agencies have intensified efforts to identify the gunmen through available evidence and intelligence gathering.
Police said that dead bodies were handed over to their legal heirs after completion of legal proceedings.
PM Shehbaz condemns firing incident
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has condemned the firing incident at the Dera of Member of Punjab Assembly from Toba Tek Singh Ayub Ghadi.
According to a statement released by the Prime Minister Office in Islamabad on Monday, PM Shehbaz said that a prompt inquiry be conducted into the incident and the culprits brought to justice.
The Prime Minister said attacking Ayub Ghadi at his Dera while he was listening to public grievances is extremely concerning.
Shehbaz prayed for those who lost their lives in the incident and for the speedy recovery of the injured.
CM Maryam condemns attack on Ayub Ghadi
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has strongly condemned the gun attack on former provincial minister Ayub Khan Ghadi's Dera in Toba Tek Singh.
In a statement issued in Lahore on Monday, Chief Minister Maryam expressed grief and sorrow over the death of four people in the attack.
The chief minister ordered immediate arrest of the responsible accused and sought a report into the incident from relevant officials.
Maryam Nawaz also expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the attack, ordering provision of best medical facilities to the injured.
She also prayed for the recovery of Ayub Khan Ghadi and other injured.
Reporter: Mubashir Naqvi