Pakistani Diplomat Escapes Kabul Assassination Attempt

Pakistani Diplomat Escapes Kabul Assassination Attempt
Pakistan's Head of Mission in Kabul Ubaid Nizamani has survived a Friday assassination attempt.

The diplomat was out on a walk when he was attacked, according to reports. He was saved due to the timely intervention of a guard tasked with securing him. The individual is said to have taken three bullets. He is said to have been taken to a hospital.

The mission head and other embassy staff have been temporarily recalled to Pakistan, according to further reports. No activity was scheduled at the embassy premises on the day of the attack given the weekly holiday.

Taking notice of the attack, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif demanded action against the perpetrators in a tweet. He also termed the assassination attempt "dastardly". "I strongly condemn dastardly assassination attempt on Pakistan Head of Mission, Kabul. Salute to brave security guard, who took bullet to save his life. Prayers for the swift recovery of security guard. I demand immediate investigation & action against perpetrators of this heinous act."

The prime minister said he had spoken to the diplomat in a later tweet the same day. He said he was relieved to note that he was safe, pledged full support to the Pakistani mission in Kabul and prayed that the injured guard recovered. "Just spoke to Ubaid Nizamani Pakistani Head of Mission, Kabul. Relieved to hear that he is safe. I expressed solidarity of govt & people with him, while assuring full support & assistance to him & mission on all counts. I also conveyed prayers for swift recovery of brave security guard."