One of the suspects arrested after the murder of MPA Asad Khokhar’s brother has confessed to killing him in “revenge”, police said Saturday.
According to details reported by a local media outlet, the suspect Nazim, under initial interrogation, told the police that Malik Mubashar, the lawmaker’s brother, was allegedly involved in the murders of his brother and uncle.
The suspect’s confession has raised questions at the quality of Chief Minister Usman Buzdar’s security protocols who was one of the guests at the wedding where the killing took place as the alleged killer told police of entering the venue while armed with a pistol despite guards stationed at the gate.
He said that had bought the weapon for Rs4,000 and reached the valima ceremony at around 8:15 am, however, none of the guards stopped him at the gate for a body search.
MPA Asad Khokhar and his brother Mudassar passed by him twice when he was sitting with other guests at the ceremony, he added. The suspect said that he came out of the marquee by walking behind the Punjab’s chief minister.
A statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office said that Buzdar had ordered an inquiry into security arrangements for the wedding, directing that further action be taken after those responsible for the attack were determined.
“Action should be taken against the arrested suspect in accordance with the law,” the statement quoted Buzdar as saying.
However, the Punjab police, its special branch, and the CM Office were blaming each other for the incident.
According to SP Security Lahore Sardar Mavarhan khan, the CM House had informed the police about the participation of the chief minister just an hour before the event started.
He maintained that they did not get time to install walk-through gates at the site for security clearance of the guests. The police officer was of the view that over 1500 guests were invited to the event and it was not possible for them to check each person.
On August 6, the brother of Punjab MPA Asad Khokhar had been gunned down by two men at a farmhouse in Defence C on Friday evening. The deceased, Mubashir Khokhar, alias Malik Goga, died on the spot while another man who was injured in the shooting is currently being treated at a hospital.
