Pakistan Interior Minister injured after gunman opens fire at political rally

Pakistan's interior minister Ahsan Iqbal was injured on Sunday when an unidentified assailant opened fire at him in Narowal, the Dawn reported.

The Minister received a bullet in his right shoulder after which, he was rushed to nearby hospital for medical assistance, the reports said.

His son, Ahmad Iqbal, also confirmed the attack and said that his father was out of danger.The attacker fired with a 30-bore pistol from a distance of around 18 metres.

But the security forces responded immediately and apprehended him, District Police Officer Imran Kishwar said. However, the reason behind the attack was not immediately known.

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif described it as an "assassination attempt", Dawn News reported.

The suspect, believed to be in his early 20's, was taken into police custody and is being interrogated.

The minister, of the Pakistan Muslim League party, was attending a political gathering in his hometown Narowal when the attack on him took place.

Reportedly, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqqan Abbasi strongly condemned the attack and summoned report from Punjab Inspector General of Police.

Punjab government spokesman Malik Ahmad Khan confirmed the attack and arrest of the attackers. He said the minister is stable but being shifted to Lahore.

"Police are investigating the attack and we will know how he (attacker) was able to reach so close to the minister," he said.

He said that the attacker was initially identified as Abid Hussian and his age was said to be between 20-22 years. He is said to be a resident of Narowal.

The attack on the interior minister highlights the issue of security of high-profile politicians ahead of the elections scheduled to be held after June.