Pakistan ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan survives assassination attempt
Former Pakistan Prime Minister, Imran Khan has escaped a gun attack on his convoy while leading a protest march in the eastern city of Wazirabad.
According to news reports, a gunshot hit their platform, a container being towed by a vehicle, injuring him in the leg and four other people as well.
Local media said that the attack’s motivation, which allies claim was an attempt at assassination, went without an immediate government response.
According to locals, early elections were being demanded, hence the call for the protest march.
The march, which was being led by Khan, was planned to end in Islamabad, the country’s capital.
According to a party spokeswoman, the former Prime Minister was spotted being transported to Lahore hospital and had been struck in the shin.
A PTI party official noted that Khan’s condition was stable, a report also confirmed by provincial health minister Yasmeen Rashid.
Before gunshots were heard, video from the scene shows Khan and his entourage riding on top of the shipping container.
Another video depicts Khan being driven away in a car after the shooting while still alive and wearing a bandage on his right leg.
A PTI member who had blood on his clothes and a bandage on his face was also seen telling onlookers to pray for Khan and everyone who had been hurt.
Current prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif condemned the shooting and commanded a prompt probe.
President Arif Alvi said the incident was a heinous assassination attempt.
For the past seven days, Khan has led a protest march, the second such gathering this year, pushing for new elections.
However, according to Pakistani’s government, elections will take place as scheduled next year.
Khan was barred from running for public office by Pakistan’s election board last month in a case that the former All-Star cricketer said was politically motivated.
He had been charged with misdeclaring information about gifts from foreign dignitaries and the proceeds of their suspected sale.
Rolex watches, a ring, and a set of cufflinks were among the gifts.
