An attempt to attack renowned religious scholar and Vice-President Darul Uloom Mufti Taqi Usmani was foiled when a man with a knife was detained and handed over to the police in Karachi on Thursday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

According to SSP Korangi Shah Jahan Pathan, a man during Fajr prayers on Thursday asked Mufti Taqi Usmani for a separate meeting, requesting the Mufti to offer Dua for him.

The security guard in their timely action got hold of the man and handed him over to the police.

Talking to 24NewsHD TV channel, Mufti Taqi Usmani said as soon as the accused took out the knife, the guards captured him.

The SSP said they were interrogating the accused from whom they have recovered a small knife. 

The police also got hold of the CCTV footage which showed the accused came in a white car. The police also recovered clothes and chocolates from accused Asim Laiq's bag.

Sh Rashid's call

Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed in a telephonic call inquired after Mufti Taqi Usmani's health. He also asked him about the details of the knife attack.

Sheikh Rashid conveyed to him his concern, praying for Mufti Taqi's long life.

Reporter Faisal Shakeel, Saud bin Murtaza and Saud Butt