ISLAMABAD, July 16 (Xinhua) -- The former senator and central vice president of Awami National Party (ANP) Daud Khan Achakzai came under attack in Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province on Monday, local media reported.

According to officials, Achakzai sustained injuries after four unknown gunmen opened fire at a guesthouse he was staying in the Pir Alizai area of Killa Abdullah in the province.

The attackers fled the scene after his guards retaliated with firing, as the ANP leader had been provided with security by the government, said Killa Abdullah Deputy Commissioner Tufail Baloch.

The former ANP senator was shot in the right arm and was shifted to the Trauma Centre of Civil Hospital Quetta, where his condition is said to be stable and out of danger, according to the hospital sources.

Soon after the incident, police cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to arrest the suspects.

Achakzai is the second ANP leader targeted ahead of the country's July 25 general elections.

Earlier on Wednesday, ANP candidate Haroon Bilour was among the 22 killed in an attack on his election rally in the northwest city of Peshawar.