Attempted assassination of Shaukat Aziz

On 30 July 2004, Shaukat Aziz the-then Pakistan's finance minister and Prime Minister-designate was targeted by a suicide attack in Fateh Jang, Punjab, Pakistan.[1][2] At least seven people, including Aziz’s driver, were killed and 45 others, including seven police officials, were injured.[3][4]

Bombing

On 30 July 2004, at 7:25 p.m, minutes after Aziz addressed a public meeting at Jaffar village near Fateh Jang, Punjab, Pakistan, in connection with his election campaign for NA-59 - Attock III, a suicide bomber targeted his car. The blast severely damaged the left side of Aziz's bullet-proof Mercedes-Benz and ripped the driver's door apart.[4][3]

Apart from the suicide bomber, seven people were killed in the attack including Aziz's driver and bodyguard.[5] At least 45 people[2] who were injured in the attack, were shifted to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Fatehjang, District Headquarters Hospital, Rawalpindi, and Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences.[4]

Victims

Those killed in the bombing were identified as Malick Mohammad Nisar, driver of Aziz's vehicle, Maula Bukhsh, Muhammad Hussain, Fida Muhammad, Liaquat Majeed and Kamal Hassan Shah. Among the injured was Punjab's Provincial Minister for Cooperatives Malik Muhammad Anwar and seven police officials.[4][3]

Responsibility

The identity of the suicide bomber could not be determined. Islambouli Brigades of Al Qaeda through a message released on a website, claimed responsibility of the attack.[5][6]

References
  1. "Pakistani PM-Designate Escapes Assassination Attempt - 2004-07-30". Voice of America.
  2. "Shaukat Aziz Escapes Assassination". Arab News. 31 July 2004.
  3. "Pakistan Leader Survives Suicide Attack". The New York Times. 30 July 2004.
  4. "Aziz survives attempt on life; 7 dead: 70 hurt after Fatehjang rally attack". Dawn. 31 July 2004.
  5. "Al Qaeda group claims attack on Shaukat Aziz: Pakistani mission in Egypt contacted •10 arrested •All options being probed". Dawn. 1 August 2004.
  6. "Pakistani Authorities Investigate Assassination Attempt". The New York Times. 2 August 2004.
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