ISLAMABAD, Nov 4 (EW): Pakistan Tehreek-e- Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Umar announced on Friday countrywide protest after prayers, following an assassination attempt on former prime minster and party chairman Imran Khan, the protests will continue until Imran Khan’s demands are met,” he tweeted.
On Thursday, PTI Chairman Imran sustained an injury due to an assassination attempt during the party’s long march in Wazirabad, Gujranwala. The former prime minister was wounded when shots were fired at his long march container.
The firing also resulted in injuries to PTI leader Faisal Javed Khan.
The incident came as PTI’s long march entered its seventh day. Imran had planned to spend the whole day in Wazirabad. His march, termed by the political party as ‘Haqeeqi Azadi’, has looked to build pressure on the coalition-led government to call early elections.
Umar had said that former prime minister Imran has named three people behind the assassination attempt on him, and demanded their immediate removal from official posts.
In a video message posted on PTI’s official Twitter handle, Umar said, “A little while ago Imran Khan called me and Aslam Iqbal into the hospital room and asked us to release a statement on his behalf.
“He said he had prior information that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, and Major General Faisal were planning an attack on him.
“We call for an immediate removal of those responsible from their offices and an inquiry into the matter,” Umar said, adding that country-wide protests would be launched if these demands were not met.
White House ‘strongly’ condemns attack
The White House on Thursday said it “strongly” condemns the attack on Imran, who was shot in the shin when his anti-government protest convoy came under attack in the east of the country.
“The United States strongly condemns the attack on Imran Khan and his supporters and hopes for the swift recovery of all who were injured,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.
