Deputy Convenor MQM Co-ordination Committee Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has strongly condemned the assassination attempt on MQM MNA Tahira Asif on Lahore-Islamabad Motorway after being identified. Speaking at a press conference outside Sheikh Zaid Hospital after attending the victim, he said the people with feudal mentality were afraid of the MQM's popularity in Punjab. The attack showed their cowardly reaction over the philosophy of Altaf Hussain to serve people. He said the attack also seemed an attempt to frighten the MQM workers in Punjab.
Muhammad Asif, husband of wounded MNA, members MQM Co-ordination Committee Iftikhar Akbar Randhava, Khalid Sultan, MQM Punjab office bearers and activists were also present on the occasion. He said the MNA was receiving threats and the concerned authorities were informed about that but they did not take any action. Dr Khalid Maqbool said if an appropriate action was taken against the complaint regarding security issues then the unfortunate incident would not have happened. He denied people who tried to link the incident with robbery and added Tahira Asif was identified first then the terrorists opened fire on her.
He demanded the Punjab government to arrest all the terrorists who involved in the attack. He said the MNA was targeted because her outspoken nature, and her campaign to provide rights to the disadvantaged people. He also appealed to the people to pray Almighty Allah to bestow her early recovery and complete health.