The assassination attempt on Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan has sparked protests as messages of condemnation and solidarity poured in for Khan’s swift recovery.
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was shot and wounded in the shin on Thursday when his anti-government protest convoy came under attack in an assassination attempt.
Khan was shot in Wazirabad while leading the long march from Lahore to Islamabad to demand early elections. He was then moved to the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital (SKMCH) in Lahore where he is recovering after undergoing surgery for the removal of the bullet fragments, according to Dr. Faisal Sultan, head of SKMCH.
The gun attack killed one PTI supporter, identified as Muazzam Nawaz, and injured 14 people including top PTI leaders i.e. Senator Faisal Javed, Ahmed Chattha, and Chaudhry Yousuf, and party workers Omer Meyer and Rashid.
“This is not only an assassination attempt on Imran Khan but an attack on Pakistan itself,” said PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry.
One suspect of the assassination attempt was arrested by the police. The male suspect, identified as Naveed, was carrying a 9mm pistol and two empty magazines, reported the police officials.
According to local media, the police are still searching for a second suspect.
Protests across Pakistan
The news triggered a wave of shock, anger, and condemnation across the country. Thousands of Pakistanis took to the streets in various cities including Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and Karachi to protest against the attack on Khan. Enraged crowds blocked roads and chanted slogans demanding a free and fair investigation into the incident.
Solidarity Messages
People from all walks of life within and outside the country took to Twitter to send solidarity messages, consisting of prayers and well wishes for Imran Khan while condemning the shocking murder attempt.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in his message said “I strongly condemn the firing at Imran Khan’s rally. An immediate report of the incident has been sought from the Interior Minister. We pray for the speedy recovery of Imran and other injured. 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.”
President Dr. Arif Alvi strongly condemned the assassination attempt on the ex-PM of Pakistan saying, “I have sought immediate reports from authorities. I pray for his speedy recovery and for all those injured. My condolences to the family of the deceased political worker who died during the incident.”
Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in his tweet, “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.”
“Attacks on leaders of any political belief or party are always wrong. And violence is never an acceptable protest. Wishing Imran Khan a full recovery.” Tweeted Pakistan Nobel laureate MalalaYousafzai.
Cricket stars also showed camaraderie with the former captain. Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam said, “Strongly condemn this heinous attack on Imran Khan. May Allah keep Kaptaan (Captain) safe and protect our beloved Pakistan.”
“Deeply disturbed about the events unfolding in Wazirabad. Our prayers with Imran Khan and everyone there. We as a country must come together and not allow anyone to distort our national unity.” Said WasimAkram in his tweet.
The UAE strongly condemned the attempted assassination of Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, expressing its solidarity and standing by friendly Pakistan and its people in the face of violence and terrorism.
The White House also condemned the attack and hoped for the swift recovery of all the wounded. “We call on all parties to remain peaceful and refrain from violence,” press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on Air Force One as President Joe Biden flew to New Mexico.
Secretary Antony Blinken said,“The United States strongly condemns the shooting of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and others at a political rally. We wish Imran Khan and all others who were injured a quick and thorough recovery, and we offer our condolences to the family of the individual who was killed. Violence has no place in politics, and we call on all parties to refrain from violence, harassment, and intimidation. The United States is deeply committed to a democratic and peaceful Pakistan, and we stand with the Pakistani people.”
British Foreign Secretary also condemned the attack, saying, “There is no space for violence in politics.”
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also denounced the murder attempt on the former PM in Gujranwala.
“The Kingdom stands with Pakistan and its people in the face of all threats to its security, stability, and development process, the ministry said. Saudi Arabia supports all efforts aimed at eliminating violence, extremism, and terrorism in all forms and wishes Pakistan and its people safety, stability, and prosperity”, Kingdom’s foreign ministry said.
Renowned religious scholar Mufti Menk expressed shock and sadness over the news. “I wish him well and a speedy recovery. Violence in all forms is totally wrong and unacceptable, no matter what our differences may be,” he added.