Police trace main culprit in attack on PML-N MPA Bilal Yasin

Lahore: Police have reportedly traced the main culprit in an attack on Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) MPA Bilal Yasin in Lahore. 

According to the police sources, an ‘underworld don’ is behind the incident. It was also reported that a ‘notorious man’ currently living in Dubai orchestrated the attack with the help of local criminals.

“The suspect is believed to have waged a personal vendetta against Bilal Yasin, who was responsible for spearheading the recent surge in police action against illegal business in Lahore, the source mentioned.

The information was extracted from a local weapon’s dealer, who provided the pistol that was used in the attack. The prime suspect will be extradited to Pakistan, it added.

The MPA was shot at his home in Lahore on Friday and sustained injuries to his abdomen and leg.

Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers returned to the scene after injuring the MPA, but were unable to shoot him again because the pistol did not discharge.

Muhammad Akram, who witnesses the incident, said the attackers fled the scene once a crowd began to gather at the MPA’s house. Police later found the pistol, which the attackers had thrown onto the street.

The MPA underwent two surgeries at Mayo Hospital following the shooting. Doctors reported that his condition was improving, and he would likely be shifted from the intensive care unit into a private room by Monday.

On the other hand, Bilal Yasin had visited a shop with PML-N Haji Liaquat to reconcile dispute on the day of the incident. The sources also said that the PML-N MPA had refused to go with Haji Liaquat, but he went to settle the matter after telephone call of Haji Liaquat’s daughter. “After reconciliation, he had only talked about eating ice cream when Bilal Yasin was attacked by unidentified armed men,” it added. 

“MPA Bilal Yasin said that the firing attack took place when he reconciled Haji Liaquat with other party. I was made main target of the attack. As soon as he was shot fire in the leg, I was felt that there was a fracture. It is also true that I resisted Haji Liaqat to visit there,” it added. 

Police sources said that the weapon used in the incident was purchased from the Blue Dome from where 3 dealers have been arrested and further investigation is underway.

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar swung into action and ordered Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore Fayyaz Ahmed to submit a report and arrest the culprits at the earliest.

"Bilal Yasin must be provided the best possible medical treatment," the chief minister said.

Following the incident, the former Punjab minister was transported to Lahore's Mayo Hospital, the police added.

DIG Operations Lahore Muhammad Abid reached Mayo Hospital as part of investigations. 

-- Incident an act of terrorim --

PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif termed the firing incident an act of "terrorism" and said he was worried for the life of the MPA.

 "May God give him health. I urge party workers and the entire nation to pray for his swift recovery," he added.

-- IGP takes notice --

Inspector General of Punjab Police Rao Sardar Ali Khan took notice of the incident of firing and sought a report from the capital city police chief. 

He directed to trace and arrest the accused with the help of Safe Cities cameras' footage and strict legal action. 

"Every aspect of the incident should be investigated and all available resources should be used to arrest the accused at the soonest," the provincial police chief said.