Blasphemy suspect gunned down in Pakistan court

Peshawar - The attacker might have pulled the gun out of a policeman's holster, say police

A man facing charges of blasphemy was shot dead in court on Wednesday as he awaited the start of his hearing, police said.
Tahir Ahmad Nasim, 47, had been escorted into court by police in the northern city of Peshawar when a man opened fire with a pistol.
The victim died on the spot while his 24-year-old attacker was arrested.
"He was killed by a young man inside the court while waiting his turn to appear before the judge," official Misal Khan said.
Nasim was first arrested in April 2018 after a local accused him of blasphemy.
Senior police officer Mansur Amaan said authorities were investigating how the attacker managed to get his hands on a firearm inside a courtroom.
"He might have pulled the gun out of a policeman's holster," Amaan said.
The judicial complex where the incident happened is situated in a high-security zone on the main Khyber Road in the cantonment area where the provincial assembly building, the Peshawar High Court, Chief Minister's secretariat and Governor's House are also situated. Security at the main gate and inside the judicial complex is also high.

• Pakistan