Couple appeal for help after escaping assassination attempt

By Shahnawaz Khan

LAHORE: Tanzeela Gillani of Hujra Shah Muqeem and her husband Muhammad Imran, who married for love in August 2003 and survived an attempt on their life on July 31 in Lorry Addah police jurisdiction, appealed to the Punjab chief minister on Sunday to save their lives.

Tanzeela belonged to a rich and influential family of Okara district. The couple wed without the consent of her parents.

“My in-laws have hired professionals to eliminate us,” said Imran. He said he and his wife were going on a motorbike when two men shot at them and fled. Lorry Adda police have registered a case under Sections 324/337-H2 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Tanzeeela and Imran fled their hometown of Hujra Shah Muqeem in fear for their life. “We left Hujra because I believe my family will kill us,” said Tanzeela.

Imran said Tanzeela’s parents, in connivance with the Hujra Shah Muqeem police, have started harassing his family. Assistant Sub-inspector (ASI) Javed Khan allegedly thrashed Imran’s sister Aasia, who was seven-month pregnant, which resulted in a miscarriage.

Imran’s father Muhammad Sharif was also publicly beaten up. The police allegedly picked up Imran’s brother Irfan from his in-laws house in Wan Radha Ram in Pattoki tehsil and tortured him.

A friend of Imran, requesting anonymity, said a provincial minister from Tanzeela’s family reportedly said that Imran would be “taught a lesson for marrying a Syedzadi.” Imran is a doctor and ran a clinic in Hujra Shah Muqeem. He and Tanzeela, an MA in English, through their families, knew each other for many years before marrying. They came to Lahore and got married in August 2003. Their Nikkah was registered at Samanabad Union Council 106.

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