A hospital official says Pakistan's government minister for religious minorities has died after being shot by gunmen in the country's capital, Islamabad.

Asmatullah Qureshi says Shahbaz Bhatti arrived dead at Shifa Hospital in Islamabad after the Wednesday attack by gunmen.

Bhatti was a Christian who had been threatened by Islamist militants in the past because he has spoken out against the country's harsh blasphemy laws.

Earlier this year, Punjab province's governor was killed by a bodyguard who said he was angry that the politician opposed the blasphemy laws, which impose death for insulting Islam.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

ISLAMABAD (AP) _ Police say gunmen have opened fire on Pakistan's government minister who represents the country's religious minorities, wounding him critically.

Police official Mohammad Iqbal says the attack happened on Wednesday as the minister, Shahbaz Bhatti, was leaving his home on the way to work.

Bhatti, a Christian, had been threatened by Islamist militants in the past and he has spoken out against the country's harsh blasphemy laws.

Iqbal says Bhatti was taken to a hospital in critical condition.

Earlier this year, Punjab province's governor was killed by a bodyguard who said he was angry that the politician opposed the blasphemy laws, which impose death for insulting Islam.