Pakistan’s ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan has been injured by gunfire in Gujranwala. According to reports, he was leading the long march to Islamabad, demanding early elections, when bullets struck his convoy. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) members told the media that Khan was shot in the leg but was out of danger. At least 3 of Khan’s aids, including Faisal Javed, were also injured. Javed also said that one PTI worker was killed in the attack.
Government Condemns Attack on Imran Khan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took notice of the incident and instructed Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah to produce a report immediately after liaisoning with the IG Police and the chief secretary of Punjab. The PM also said that the federal government would support the provincial government in the investigation of the incident.
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Pervez Elahi ordered the Supreme Court to submit a report after the investigation. He further said that those responsible for the incident would be brought to justice. The CM also directed the local authorities to provide healthcare care to the injured.
Shooter Arrested
It was probably too early to establish the real face behind this attack, but contradicting reports claimed that there were 2 shooters. One carrying a pistol was overpowered by a citizen and later arrested. However, some reports said that there was another one with an automatic rifle who fled the scene. PTI members said that Khan sustained 3-4 bullet wounds on his leg, which were probably fired with an AK-47.
In a viral video, the shooter gave a statement to Police, claiming that he was annoyed by the music at Khan’s rally during the time of Azaan. He also confessed that he was acting alone and decided to shoot Khan from the start of the march as he was misleading the people.
Response from Party Members
As per reactions from social media, PTI leadership has been pointing fingers at the PDM government for this attack. Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has been dishing out various sarcastic threats against Imran Khan and his “freedom” protests in media interviews. The former Minister for Human Rights also called to hold him and his “handlers” accountable for this heinous incident.
After the incident, security forces transferred Imran Khan to a bulletproof vehicle and took him to the hospital.
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