Leaders all around the world continue to condemn the assassination attempt on Imran Khan that took place on Thursday at a gathering of the Haqeeqi Azadi March.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the Pakistan Army, and other politicians and government leaders have condemned the attack and called for an immediate investigation into the matter.
I condemn the incident of firing on PTI Chairman Imran Khan in the strongest words. I have directed Interior Minister for an immediate report on the incident.
I pray for the recovery and health of PTI chairman & other injured people. 1/2
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) November 3, 2022
Foreign Minister of Pakistan also condemned the attack.
Strongly condemn the attack on @ImranKhanPTI. Praying for his swift recovery.
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) November 3, 2022
The attack has not only been condemned by Pakistani political leaders, activists, and social media users but people from around the world have also expressed shock and concern.
In a statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed sympathies to the family of the victim who was slain and wished Imran Khan and all others hurt a speedy and complete recovery.
“Violence has no place in politics,” the Secretary of State said and called on all parties to refrain from violence, harassment, and intimidation. The secretary further said in his statement that, “the United States is deeply committed to a democratic and peaceful Pakistan, and we stand with the Pakistani people.”
Read More: PTI announces countrywide protests after Friday prayers
The prime minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau “strongly condemned this violence”, adding that the attack was “completely unacceptable”.
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. I’m wishing a speedy recovery to Imran and all who were injured today.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 3, 2022
Khan’s ex-wife and the mother of his sons, Jemima Goldsmith, called the man who foiled the assassination attempt on Khan a “hero” and posted his image on her Twitter.
Hero 🙏🏼🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/mqTXPdWxjH
— Jemima Goldsmith (@Jemima_Khan) November 3, 2022
Mehbooba Mufti, the president of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party condemned the “cowardly attack”.
Condemn the cowardly attack on Imran Khan & pray for his swift recovery. https://t.co/CLVc2LEFyK
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) November 3, 2022
Simranjit Singh Mann, who is a Member Of Parliament (Lok Sabha), striving for a separate state for Sikhs, thanked God that Khan had survived the attack. “Political differences should be sorted out on the table, not at shootouts,” he said.
Shiromani Akali Dal Amritsar condemns the attack on former Premier Imran Khan's life. Political differences should be sorted out on the table, not at shootouts. Thank God that former Premier has survived.
— Simranjit Singh Mann (@SimranjitSADA) November 3, 2022
Ramazan Izoi, President of the Turkic World Youth Council, called the attack “vile” saying that Khan “sacrificed his life for the people of Pakistan and risked it”.
https://twitter.com/ramazanizoltr/status/1588148040535363584
“There is no room for violence in politics,” said Elizabeth Threlkeld, a senior fellow at Stimson Centre, wishing a “speedy recover to Imran Khan”.
Whatever the motive, there is no room for violence in politics. Not in Pakistan, not in the US, not anywhere. Whishing a speedy recovery to Imran Khan and those injured – may this be a moment for reflection and reassessment. https://t.co/AO0dX4vcet
— Elizabeth Threlkeld (@ethrelkeld) November 3, 2022
Michael Kugelman, South Asia Institute Director at The Wilson Center said that the matter could have been “much worse” if a brave man had not intervened.
Pakistani media have circulated video of a gunman being taken down by another man as the gunman tries to fire his weapon at Imran Khan’s container.
As horrible as this attack was, it appears it could have been much, much worse if not for the bravery of the man who intervened.— Michael Kugelman (@MichaelKugelman) November 3, 2022