Nationalist Glasgow councillor Jahangir Hanif has been suspended after video footage emerged of him firing an AK47 Kalashnikov rifle near the disputed Pakistani province of Kashmir.

The incident took place during a family holiday in 2005, and saw some of Hanif’s children also fire the automatic weapon.

 In a statement issued by the SNP, Hanif, who is currently in Pakistan, said:

“I regret that this happened and apologise — it was foolish and inappropriate. It took place over two and a half years ago, long before I became a councillor. I accept the actions of the party, and will wish to take part in the formal hearing on my return to Scotland.”

Tory justice spokesman Bill Aitken attacked Hanif’s decision to fire the weapon:

“At a time when every right thinking politician is concerned about the levels of violence and gun crime this man is training his children in how to use a deadly assault rifle.  Why was he doing this?  This sends out the worst possible message and to my mind renders Councillor Hanif quite unsuitable to hold elected public office.”

Hanif has previously faced accusations that he has rented sub-standard accommodation to tenants in the Glasgow area.

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