During an anti-government protest march in the Wazirabad district of the Punjab province on November 3, former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was shot at and suffered a shin bone injury in an attempted assassination. Although the 70-year-old leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party escaped the attack and is currently safe, the incident drew stern criticism from foreign leaders as well as Pakistani officials.
Arif Alvi, the president of Pakistan, tweeted that the attack on the cricketer-turned-politician was despicable and cowardly, “I thank Allah for my survival in the murderous attack of Bahadur @ImranKhanPTI. He is injured with a few bullets in his leg and is expected to be in a non-critical condition. This attack is sad, alarming, deceitful and cowardly. May Allah bless them and all the injured.”
Also read: Imran Khan shot at: Babar Azam, Wasim Akram, others condemn attack on former Pak PM
Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister of Pakistan, expressed his horror at the incident by saying, “I condemn the incident of firing on PTI Chairman Imran Khan in the strongest words. I pray for the recovery and health of the PTI chairman & other injured people. The Federation will provide all possible support to the Punjab government in the security/investigation of the incident. Violence should have no place in national politics.” Additionally, he mandated the delivery of a ministerial report on the occurrence.
Also read: Man snatches gun from attacker, saves lives during Imran Khan’s rally in Wazirabad: Watch
The attack has been condemned and the parties have been urged to maintain calm by the United States. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, “The United States strongly condemns the attack on Imran Khan and his supporters and hopes for the swift recovery of all who were injured.”
In a statement denouncing the attempted assassination of Imran Khan, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the propaganda arm of the Pakistani Army, said, “Firing incident during Long March near Gujranwala is highly condemnable. Sincere prayers for precious life lost and speedy recovery and wellbeing of Chairman PTI Mr Imran Khan and all those injured in this unfortunate incident.”
Also read: Why was Imran Khan marching in Wazirabad?
Alfred Gannas, the German ambassador to Pakistan, said, “Shocked to learn about the attack on @ImranKhanPTI. We condemn violence in every form. Important that the situation remains peaceful. Wishing all injured a swift recovery.”
“The attack on Imran Khan and his supporters is completely unacceptable, and I strongly condemn this violence. It has no place in politics, in any democracy, or in our society. I’m wishing a speedy recovery to Imran and all who were injured today,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted.
Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said, “It’s a development that just took place. We’re closely keeping an eye on and we’ll continue to monitor ongoing developments.”
