NEW YORK: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned “in the strongest terms” the firing at the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman, Imran Khan, at a political rally in Gujranwala, and called for a transparent investigation into the incident. “The Secretary-General is concerned about reports that former Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan and several other people were wounded today during a rally,” his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in response to a question at the regular noon briefing in New York on Thursday.
“He (UN Chief) condemns in the strongest terms any violence against politicians and their supporters,” the spokesman said.
“The Secretary-General wishes Mr. Khan and others injured a full recovery and calls for a full investigation into this violence and for bringing to justice the perpetrators,” he said.
“We very much hope that this (incident) will not create further challenges to the political situation in Pakistan,” the spokesman added.
Many world leaders including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the assassination attempt on former prime minister Imran Khan.
“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,” Trudeau wrote on his official Twitter handle.
Britain’s Minister of State Zac Goldsmith, terming the news of the incident appalling, said that Imran Khan is strong and will be back on his feet.
“Those forces in Pakistan who believe they can stifle democracy in that country through murder are wrong & will be seen to be wrong,” he added.
Indian foreign ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said “It’s a development that just took place. We’re closely keeping an eye on and we’ll continue to monitor ongoing developments.”
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.
Nobel peace prize winner Malala Yousufzai said that attacks on leaders of any political belief or party are always wrong. “Violence is never an acceptable protest. Wishing Imran Khan a full recovery.”
The incident occurred on Day 7 of the party’s long march towards the federal capital. According to media reports, the gunman has been arrested and Imran is out of danger.
The suspect, in a video statement to Punjab Police, has confessed that he shot the PTI chief as he was “misleading” the nation. “I could see him misleading the nation. I only wanted to target Imran Khan and no one else,” he said.
The suspect also revealed that he had intended to do so ever since the deposed premier left Lahore and started his long march. “No one is behind me and I did this [the attack] on my own,” he added.
The PTI chief has been hospitalised after he reportedly received multiple gunshot wounds in the leg. Chaotic scenes were seen as security personnel rushed to secure the premises after the incident occurred.
Many including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the incident. He said that the federal government will extend all support necessary to the Punjab government for security and investigation.
“Violence should have no place in our country’s politics,” Shehbaz further said.
The Pakistan Army has also condemned the incident. “Firing incident during Long March near Gujranwala is highly condemnable,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
“Sincere prayers for precious life lost and speedy recovery and well-being of Chairman PTI Mr Imran Khan and all those injured in this unfortunate incident.” –Agencies
