A police constable critically injured Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Shahzad Aslam in a knife attack at Qilla Gujjar Singh Police Line late on Saturday.

According to a first information report, the incident occurred at around at around 11:45pm on Saturday when the DIG was returning home from a mosque inside the Police Line. "When I was returning home, Constable Muhammad Rafique intercepted me with greetings. In the meantime, the constable pulled out a knife and stabbed me multiple times as a result of which I received several critical injuries," DIG Aslam quoted as having said in the FIR.

The senior police officer said the constable first injured his left hand critically and then attacked other parts of his body. With critical wounds and blood on almost his whole body, the DIG said he ran to a nearby police quarter to get some help.

He added that when he cried for help, some guards came there and arrested the constable. Meanwhile, Shahzad was taken to the Services Hospital where doctors treated and discharged him. However, the officer was readmitted to the hospital due to high blood pressure.

Calling the attack an attempt on his life, the officer has requested the high-command to take an indiscriminate action against Rafique and provide him justice. Later, a police spokesperson dismissed reports that the constable was posted under command of the DIG.

He said the constable was posted from the investigation wing to Police Lines in December. Rafique is a patient of epilepsy and was being treated for it. He often had to miss his duty because of his illness, he added. The police said they are looking further into the case after registration of the FIR under section-324 of the PPC.