NEW DELHI: Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan is stable after receiving bullet injuries in the leg following a bid on his life on Thursday while leading a protest march to Islamabad.
"His condition is stable. His blood pressure, vital signs are all right. He is able to talk," said Dr Faisal Sultan of the Shaukat Khanum Hospital in Lahore.
The X-rays and scans showed fragments of bullets in his legs and one shin bone was chipped in one place, said the doctor, who is heading the medical team treating the 70-year-old leader.
Imran came under attack in Wazirabad town of Punjab province as he rode a customised container truck along with his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders on the way to Pakistan's capital to demand fresh elections.
Pakistan was on edge as large protests broke out in many cities, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Karachi and Peshawar in support of Imran.
In foreign reactions, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the United States, Canada and Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the attack.
Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi has ordered an investigation into Thursday's incidents.
He said there appeared to be two assailants on the scene.
Eyewitnesses have said the shots fired at Imran's vehicle came from an automatic gun.
PTI leaders see a deeper conspiracy to eliminate Imran from the political scene and the former premier has himself publicly talked on several occasions about threats to his life.
One shooting suspect was in police custody, and in a video circulating on social media the man confessed that he wanted to kill Imran.
"It's an eyewash," Zartaj Gul Wazir, a PTI leader, told television channel Bol.
She said there is intense anger among the people over the attempt on Imran's life.
Seven people, including Imran's party colleagues Faisal Javed Khan and Ahmed Chattha, were injured and one man died in the shooting, according to Pakistani media reports.
"This is an attack on the Pakistani nation and its security," former National Assembly deputy speaker Qasim Khan Suri said.
The attack provoked strong reactions outside Pakistan as well.
"Democracies can only function when we use words, not weapons. No political leader should ever face violence or intimidation. My prayers are with Imran Khan and the people of Pakistan at this moment," London mayor Sadiq Khan said.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's strong condemnation and denunciation of the assassination attempt on former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan," the Saudi foreign ministry said in a statement.
"The attack on @ImranKhanPTI 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," Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.
While condemning the shooting, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Pakistani political parties to remain peaceful.
The OIC in a statement expressed its condemnation of the assassination attempt and reiterated the 57-member organisation's stance against all forms of violence, extremism and terrorism.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Nov 04 2022
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is helped after he was shot in the shin in Wazirabad, Pakistan November 3, 2022 in this still image obtained from video. - Urdu Media/via REUTERS
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.