Imran Khan Rally Firing HIGHLIGHTS: Imran Suspects PM Shehbaz Sharif, Two Others Behind Attack, Says PTI Leader
Imran Khan Rally Firing HIGHLIGHTS: The attacker, who has been arrested, opened fire when Khan was standing atop a container-truck to address his ongoing "long march" to Islamabad.
PTI secretary general Asad Umar said that former PM Imran Khan suspects three people — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, and a senior military officer — who are behind the assassination attempt on him. "Imran Khan has said that he had the information beforehand that these people might be involved in the assassination attempt on him," Asad said during a video statement alongside party leader Mian Aslam Iqbal.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday condemned the attack on Imran Khan and said that it had no place in politics, democracy or society.
In a statement, the Punjab police have confirmed that seven people were injured and a person was killed during the attack on PTI chairman Imran Khan’s container during the long march in Wazirabad. It stated that the deceased has been identified as Muazzam Nawaz.
The Pakistan Army has "highly condemned" the firing incident during PTI's long march near Gujranwala. The Inter-Services Public Relations offered sincere prayers for the precious life lost and speedy recovery and well being of Imran Khan and all those injured.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan is being operated upon at Shaukat Khanum Hospital in Lahore. "Imran Khan sahib being operated upon in Shaukat Khanum Emergency. Doctors will brief after the operation Inshallah. Prayers needed for the complete and speedy recovery of Khan Sb and all our injured colleagues," Omar Ayub Khan tweeted.
Taking to Twitter, PML-N Supremo Nawaz Sharif wrote, "I condemn the firing on Imran Khan and his associates and pray for the recovery of the injured."
The arrested attacker confessed to attempting to kill former Prime Minister Imran Khan. He said that he shot Khan because he couldn’t see him misleading the nation.
Former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram said that his prayers are with the former Prime Minister. "Deeply disturbed about the events unfolding in Wazirabad. Our prayers with Imran BHAI and everyone there. We as a country must come together and not allow anyone to distort our national unity," he tweeted.
"It was a clear assassination attempt. Khan was hit but he’s stable. There was a lot of bleeding," news agency Reuters quoted PTI Senior Vice-President Fawad Chaudhry as saying. "If the shooter had not been stopped by people there, the entire PTI leadership would have been wiped out."
"Omer Meyer has one gun shot wound in his leg. He is stable. Our PTI worker Rashid has an injured hand and he is also stable. Faisal Javed had a close call with the bullet scratching his cheek. He is also stable," PTI leader Hammad Azhar tweeted.
Taking to Twitter, Pakistan President Arif Alvi wrote, "Heinous assassination attempt on the brave @ImranKhanPTI. I thank Allah that he is safe but injured with few bullets in his leg and hopefully non-critical. This attack is shocking, alarming, disgraceful, deceitful and cowardly. May Allah give him health and to all those injured."
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has condemned the firing on PTI Chairman Imran Khan “in the strongest words”. “I have directed [the] interior minister for an immediate report on the incident. I pray for the recovery and health of [the] PTI chairman and other injured people,” he said.
The PM added that the federal government would extend all support necessary to the Punjab government for security and investigation. “Violence should have no place in our country’s politics,” he said.
According to a report by news agency AFP, the man suspected of attacking Pakistan former PM Imran Khan has been shot dead.
"It's a development that just took place. We're closely keeping an eye and we'll continue to monitor ongoing developments. Don't have anything beyond that to say as it's just a developing story," MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.
Background
New Delhi: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was injured after an assailant opened fire near his convoy during a rally in Pakistan's Gujranwala on Thursday.
The attacker, who has been arrested, opened fire when Khan was standing atop a container-truck to address his ongoing "long march" to Islamabad.
The incident happened when Imran Khan was addressing a rally during Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf party's 'Long March' in Gujranwala. According to television footages, Khan, with a bandage tied around his leg, moved to a car with the help of other people present at the site.
Condemning the incident, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah to seek an immediate report from the inspector-general of police and chief secretary of Punjab.
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.
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