on the protest march
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was shot during a protest march on Thursday. He reportedly injured his leg, according to Pakistani news channel ARY News. The incident took place in the central province of Punjab. It is not yet known who is behind the crime. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the act.
11.03.2022 13.42
Online since today, 1:42 pm
Khan’s convoy of vehicles was targeted while traveling in the east of the country, Khan’s associate Asad Umar said. “A man opened fire with an automatic weapon. Several people were injured. Imran Khan is also injured.” Khan was hit by a bullet in the shin and was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Khan, 70, a former cricket star, led a protest march in Islamabad demanding early general elections. The attack took place in Wazirabad, nearly 200 kilometers from the capital, Islamabad.
A senior adviser told the AFP news agency: “It was an attempt to kill him, an assassination attempt on him.” According to Pakistani television station Geo TV, a male suspect was later arrested. The British BBC also wrote that it was likely an attempted attack.
Deposed as prime minister in April
Khan was ousted as prime minister in April by a vote of no confidence. Since then, he has regularly taken his followers to the streets. He had been marching across the country in a protest march since Friday, demanding early elections.
Last month, Pakistan’s Election Commission banned Khan from holding public office in a case the former cricket star said was politically motivated. He was accused of misreporting gifts from foreign dignitaries and the proceeds of their alleged sale. The gifts included Rolex watches, a ring and a pair of cufflinks.
A television reporter was killed during a protest march by Khan on Sunday night. According to its Channel 5 broadcaster, journalist Sadaf Naim fell while trying to climb into a vehicle in which the former prime minister was staying. Naim got under the vehicle and died at the scene. The accident happened near the city of Lahore, in the east of the South Asian country.