LAHORE, July 5: Major (retd) Moaz, the chief security officer of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, was injured when an explosive device went off in his Iqbal Town residence on Thursday.

He was admitted to Sheikh Zayed Hospital with multiple injuries and his condition was stated to be stable.

DIG (operations) Rai Mohammad Tahir told Dawn that Major Moaz had parked his official double-cabin vehicle outside his Kareem Block residence in the afternoon. Some people fixed a small explosive device with a magnate under the vehicle.

Major Moaz came out in the evening and started driving the vehicle. The device got detached and fell on the ground. His maid, who was shutting the door, noticed something having fallen from the vehicle and took it inside home. She informed members of the family who called Major Moaz who returned immediately, parked the vehicle and started examining the device.

The device exploded and shrapnels hit his both legs. He was taken to the hospital by a neighbour.

The DIG said Major Moaz had not given his statement to police and it was not known whether he had received any threats.

He said that security had been provided to him and a investigation had been launched. Bomb disposal personnel have collected evidence and their report about the nature and quantity of explosives used in the device.

He said a case would be registered against unidentified suspects under section 324 of the PPC, 3/4 Explosive Act and 7-ATA. Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah met Major Moaz in the hospital and told reporters that he was out of danger.—Staff Reporter