- Pakistan’s ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan was shot in the leg at a rally
- He is currently out of danger and in a stable condition, Umar added.
- A man suspected of firing shots at the rally was detained on Thursday, said police
Ex-prime minister of Pakistan Imran Khan was shot in the leg at a rally on Thursday, according to a party spokesman, who described the incident as an assassination attempt.
A bullet struck Khan after a gunman opened fire, according to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader Asad Umar, who later added, “Yes, he has been shot; there are pellets embedded in his leg, his bone is chipped, and he has also been shot in the thigh.”
The former Pakistan cricket captain was transported from the rally location outside of Gujranwala to Lahore, a two-and-a-half-hour drive away, for treatment. Umar stated that he is currently safe and in stable condition.
Senator Fawad Chaudhry, a senior member of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Khan’s former minister of information, stated that Khan was undergoing surgery and that six others were hurt and being treated.
On Thursday, a guy suspected of firing bullets at the demonstration was caught, according to the police, who added that he was apprehended carrying a 9mm pistol and two empty magazines.
According to Faisal Javed, a top PTI lawmaker and close Khan friend who got a head wound in the attack, at least one person was murdered in the incident. The victim’s identity has not been disclosed.
In a video statement, Javed, who can be seen sitting up while receiving treatment, said, “Please pray for us, for Imran Khan, for our critically injured coworkers, and for our murdered party member who passed away.”
Read more Imran Khan Shooting Attack Leaked CCTV Video
Khan was on the seventh day of a statewide rally tour demanding for next year’s elections to be moved up to August.
In support of Khan, protests erupted throughout Pakistan, including the capital Islamabad and the city of Peshawar, where roughly 800 protestors blocked roads for two hours while waving party flags and yelling against the army and the federal government.
Several PTI politicians addressed the audience, including provincial assembly member Fazal Elahi, who stated that the incident was part of a plot against the PTI’s leadership.
“Today, we conducted a peaceful demonstration that will continue in the future,” stated Elahi.
Khan claims that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, and senior intelligence official Maj. Gen. Faisal Naseer were responsible for Thursday’s attack.
Khan made the allegations in a statement that was sent by PTI senior leader Umar, who claimed to have recently spoken with Khan.
According to Umar, Khan stated, “I had information that this was going to occur beforehand.” “These men must be removed from their positions; if they are not, there will be demonstrations.”
Sharif, who came to power in April after Khan lost a vote of no confidence in parliament, condemned on Twitter Thursday’s attack on his political adversary.
Sharif said, “I condemn in the strongest terms the incidence of fire on PTI Chairman Imran Khan,” adding that he has requested a “early report on the occurrence” and will pray for the healing of those affected.
Sharif wrote, “Violence has no place in our nation’s politics.”
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) recommended on October 21 that Khan be barred from holding political office for five years, a move that is certain to inflame political tensions in the country.
ECP chief Sikandar Sultan Raja declared that Khan was disqualified for engaging in “corrupt conduct” when hearing the suggestion.
The commission stated that its conclusion was based on Khan’s “false claims” regarding the declaration of the sale of gifts delivered to him by the leaders of Saudi Arabia and Dubai while he was in office, which is a violation of the country’s constitution.
Khan was removed from office as a result of a vote of no confidence due to allegations of poor administration and economic mismanagement.
Since then, he has often asserted, without evidence, that the United States was responsible for his overthrow. Khan’s charges have become a feature of his rallies across Pakistan in an effort to regain power.
In a country where anti-American sentiment is prevalent and anti-establishment views are being fanned by a rising cost of living crisis, his comments have resonated with the young populace.
This is not the first time that attacks against Pakistani leaders have occurred.
Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was murdered on December 27, 2007, while then-Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani escaped an assassination attempt in 2008.
The United States condemned the attack on the former prime minister on Thursday. “The United States condemns vehemently the attack on Imran Khan and his supporters and wishes a speedy recovery to all injured parties. Violence has no place in politics, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters en route to New Mexico aboard Air Force One.
