The attacker of Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday revealed that he wanted to kill only Imran as he was misleading the nation. “He (Imran) was misleading the people and I could not bear watching it so I killed him … attempted to kill him,” the suspect said in a video statement.
“I tried my best to kill him. I wanted to kill Imran Khan only and no one else.”
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was injured and taken to hospital after an assailant opened fire at his container during the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf party's 'Long March' in Gujranwala on Thursday. Several people, including PTI leader Faisal Javed, was injured in the firing, Dawn News reported. The attacker, who was nabbed by PTI workers at the spot, has been shot dead, reported news agency AFP.
Party leader Imran Ismail told Dawn that party chief Imran Khan was shot in the leg "three to four" times. The attacker was directly in front of the container and was wielding a AK-47, he said.
Television footage run on several Pakistani television channels shows that Imran was injured and moved to a car with the help of other people present at the site. The footages show a bandage tied around the Khan's leg.
Following the attack, Khan said, "God has granted me a new life, will fight back with full strength," tweeted several Pakistani journalists.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took cognizance of the incident and has condemned the firing incident and also demanded a report on the same.
Reacting to the incident, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "It's a development that just took place. We're closely keeping an eye and we will continue to monitor ongoing developments. Don't have anything beyond that to say as it's just a developing story."
Taking notice of the firing incident, Punjab Chief Minister Parvez Elahi instructed the provincial IGP to submit a report after thorough investigation.
“Those behind this incident will be brought to justice soon and the injured will be provided the best medical care,” the chief minister said, as per the Dawn report.
Earlier this year in April, Khan was ousted from power after losing a no-confidence vote in his leadership. Last month, Pakistan's election commission disqualified Khan from holding public office in a case described by the former Pakistan cricket team captain as politically motived.