LAHORE: A minister in Pakistan’s Punjab province known for his tough anti-Taliban stance was today assassinated by two suicide bombers who blew themselves up at his ancestral home, killing at least 15 people in the brazen attack.
Shuja Khanzada, 71, the Home Minister of Punjab Province, and a DSP were among the 15 people killed when the suicide bombers attacked his political office in his native Shadi Khan village in Attock district, rescue and administration officials said.
At least 17 people were also injured in the blast. The condition of three injured persons is stated to be critical.
The suicide bombers entered the building disguised as visitors and blew themselves up. As a result of the blast, roof of the house caved in burying the minister and about thirty other people.
Inspector General (IG) Punjab Police Mushtaq Sukhera said two suicide attackers carried out the attack.
Saeed Elahi, advisor to Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, confirmed the death of Khanzada.
“Punjab Home Minister has died in the suicide bombing,” Elahi said. Khanzada’s body has been shifted to District Headquarters Hospital Attock.
“Some 40 to 50 people were present at the dera (out house) of Col Shuja when a suicide bomber managed to enter the house,” Commissioner Rawalpindi Zahid Saeed said. (AGENCIES)
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