India, April 19 -- Pakistani religious cleric and lecturer Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza survived an attack by an unidentified assailant on Sunday, according to media reports.

The incident took place outside the Quran & Sunnat Research Academy, where Mirza regularly delivers lectures.

Attacker Killed in Retaliatory Fire

According to local police, the attacker arrived at the scene armed with a 9mm pistol, lay down on the ground, and opened fire.

Jhelum police spokesperson Kashif Kiani told Dawn News that security personnel and police returned fire, killing the assailant on the spot.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Chaudhry Shafiq confirmed that Mirza remained safe and unharmed during the incident and later continued his lecture at...