Gunmen kidnap son of Pakistan’s former prime minister

Heavily armed gunmen have abducted Ali Haider Gilani, the son of former prime minister, Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani, at an election rally in central Pakistan.

Unidentified gunmen kidnapped Ali Haider Gilani during an election rally for the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in the central city of Multan on Thursday. Younger Gilani is contesting for a seat in the Punjab provincial assembly.

The gunmen also opened fire at the political gathering, killing one person and injuring several others.
“A couple of them started shooting,” an eyewitnesses at the rally told Pakistan’s Geo TV.

“A man standing in front of Gilani was hit and fell down. Then they grabbed Gilani, put him in the car and sped away.”

Security forces have sealed off all exit points from the city, and are offering a reward for any information about the kidnappers.

No person or group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.

The former prime minister accused his political opponents of being behind the attack.

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed his grave concern, calling the kidnapping reprehensible act of a cowardly enemy.

More than one hundred people have been killed since last month due to attacks on the campaigns for Saturday’s polls.

Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants had previously announced that they would target the election rallies of Awami National Party, Pakistan People’s Party, and Muttahida Quami Movement.

Pakistan will hold its National Assembly elections on May 11. The National Assembly has a total of 342 members, of which 272 are elected by the popular vote. The last National Assembly elections were held in February 2008.