Stray bullet injures journalist in Punjab Assembly premises

A mysterious bullet apparently targeted at the Punjab Assembly on Monday injured a cameraman of a private channel and after a protest by journalists the House was prematurely adjourned without taking up the business of the day.
The incident took place just before Speaker Muhammad Rana gave a short recess for maghrib prayer. It was learnt that the 30-bore bullet came from the direction of Wapda House and kissed the back of the cameraman (present in the Punjab Assembly compound) after rebounding from a chair. Luckily the cameraman only sustained minor injury, as the bullet did pierced into his body. He was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The newsmen present at the spot said they heard no gunshot; the only noise they heard was of a bullet rebounding from the chair. Initially, they thought someone has played a prank by throwing a stone on the chair and hit the cameramen. Later, after seeing blood on the back of the cameraman they realised later that a bullet has hit him.
Even the police, present in large number for security of Punjab Assembly, was baffled by the incident and could not say anything on the matter. It is yet to be ascertained whether it was a stray bullet or the media was targeted. It may be noted that while the House is in session, everyday media men in large number are present in the compound for coverage.
In protest, the newsmen boycotted the House's proceeding and demanded immediate investigation in to the matter. The leadership of Punjab Union of Journalists, Lahore Press Club, and Punjab Assembly Press Gallery condemned the incident and lambasted the Punjab government for security lapse. They also demanded immediate adjournment of the House and a proper investigation into the matter.
Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaulla and Opposition Leader Raja Riaz assured the media men that an FIR would be registered immediately. They also assured that action would be taken against policemen responsible for the security lapse.
Later, the Speaker adjourned the House to show solidarity with the journalists.
Talking to newsmen, Raja Riaz condemned the incident. He said the media has been threatened for free reporting of the House's proceedings. "No one will be allowed to undermine the freedom of press," he added.
Earlier Opposition Leader Raja Riaz came hard on the treasury benches for blocking the development funds for ongoing development schemes in the constituencies of the PPP MPAs. He informed the House that the funds allocated for the ongoing development schemes were immediately frozen soon after the ouster of the PPP from the government. "PPP is not a weak political force and it knows how to get its due share," he added.
He warned the government that if the funds were not released by Thursday there would be a 'dama-dam mast qalandar'.
Riaz targeted Dr Tauqeer, Secretary to Punjab Chief Minister, and claimed that he (Dr Tauqeer) was running the government affairs and made a habit of humiliating the elected MPAs. "Now, those days are gone and Dr Tauqeer should mend his ways, or he will be taken to task," he added.
Raja Riaz also criticised the CM for stating that 'he is not accountable to anyone' in response to his comments that 'the CM will have to attend the House proceedings'. "Shahbaz Sharif should read the Constitution, which bounds him to give answers to the House," he added. Raja Riaz ridiculed PML-N leader Chaudhary Nisar by calling him a 'General Nisar'. He said it seemed 'General Nisar' eyeing premiership with the view that this time when the PML-N leadership would go to Jeddah he might get the chance for PM office. But PPP will not let it happen, he added.
Meanwhile, the House paid rich tributes to slain Federal Minority Minister Shahbaz Bhatti during debate on the assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti. The legislators of both treasury and opposition benches said he worked for the rights of oppressed and he was portraying a soft image of Pakistan in world community. The legislators condemned the killing and termed it a great loss to the nation.