NAROWAL: Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal narrowly escaped death when he was shot at after a political rally in his hometown Narowal on Sunday evening, officials said.

He escaped the assassination attempt with arm injuries and underwent treatment at District Headquarters Hospital. 

He was returning to his vehicle after addressing a corner meeting in Kanjrur town of Narowal when he was shot in the right arm at by a young man.  

The interior minister was shifted to District Headquarters Hospital  for emergency aid.  According to family and officials, Ahsan Iqbal was out of danger now.

Police have arrested the suspected shooter and launched investigations about the motive of his attack. 

State Minister Talal Chaudhry said that a 22-year-old person was involved in the shooting. 

"A 22-year-old  person has been arrested ," he told Geo TV, adding that the interior minister may be shifted to Lahore if required. 

"By the Grace of Gold, Ahsan Iqbal is out of danger."

The state minister  criticized a court order regarding withdrawal of security. 

Narowal DPO said that the suspected gunman has been arrested along with his firearm. 

The suspect has been identified as Abid Hussain, who is a resident of the same town.  

An eyewitness told media that people accompanying the minister grabbed the shooter, beat him up and handed him over to police for interrogation. 

The suspect told interrogators that he was a  member of a religious party and that he did it over Khattam-e-Nubawwat issue. 

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif has sent his official helicopter to Narowal to airlift the  minister to Lahore. 

The chief minister has ordered IG Punjab to submit a report. 

Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb also confirmed that the interior minister was out of danger. 

Ahmed Iqbal, son of Ahsan Iqbal, said that first aid was given to his father at the DHQ.

"My father is out of danger now, but we are shifting him to Lahore for medical care," he said, urging the nation to pray for his father's recovery. 

Ahsan Iqbal airlifted to Lahore

Ahsan Iqbal has been shifted to Lahore via helicopter. 

The chief minister and other members of his cabinet received Ahsan Iqbal at Old Airport.

According to sources, preparations have been finalized at the Services Hospital, where he will undergo surgery. 

Ahsan Iqbal has tweeted from his personal account and urged the nation to pray for his health. 

"Allah Almighty has been very kind. We request all friends and wellwishers to remember him their special prayers," the interior minister tweeted.