Tag: assassination attempt

  • Imran Khan’s security increased after assassination attempt

    Imran Khan’s security increased after assassination attempt

    Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s security has been increased after an assassination attempt last week in Wazirabad.

    During the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march, Khan was shot at leaving the party chairman and other leaders injured, while one bystander lost his life.

    As part of increased security arrangements, concrete blocks have been placed around Khan’s Zaman Park residence, reports Dawn.

    Police check-posts have also been set up at the entry and exit points of Zaman Park and a record of visitors to the locality is also being maintained by the Punjab government.

    A special contingent of commandos from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) also reached Zaman Park on Friday to take charge of his security, while the number of local police personnel has been increased with the inclusion of policewomen, to frisk the women visitors coming to inquire after the PTI chairman.

  • PM Shehbaz writes letter to CJ asking to form judicial commission to investigate attack on Imran

    PM Shehbaz writes letter to CJ asking to form judicial commission to investigate attack on Imran

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has written a letter to Chief Justice (CJ) Umar Ata Bandial to request him to form a judicial commission to investigate the attempted assassination on Imran Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

    The premier said that the investigation of the incident was being “mishandled” and in its aftermath a “derogatory campaign” had been launched against the leadership of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and state institutions.

    Putting forward five questions before the SC, Shehbaz Sharif has asked which law enforcement agencies were responsible to provide security to Imran’s convoy. He also questioned whether security protocols and other SOPs were put in place to secure the convoy and whether these protocols were adhered to. “What are the facts of the incident itself,” the letter says.

    “Whether law enforcement agencies and administrative authorities complied with the prescribed investigation, evidence collection, and handling procedures following the incident,” reads the letter.

    The last questions were: “Whether the investigation into the incident is being deliberately impeded? If yes, by which actors and why? Whether the shooting was a result of a criminal conspiracy hatched to assassinate Imran or the act of a lone shooter? Who are the actors responsible in either scenario?”

    PM’s letter to CJ about Arshad Sharif’s death

    In another letter to the SC, PM Shehbaz — who is currently in Egypt—wrote a letter to CJ Bandial and sought the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the death of slain journalist Arshad Sharif.

    The journalist was killed in a “mistaken identity” case last month in Kenya by local police.

    The Premier suggested the CJ focus on five questions — through which procedure did Arshad Sharif go abroad in August 2022? Who facilitated Sharif’s departure abroad? Was any federal or provincial agency aware of any threat to Sharif? Was any organisation or administration aware of any threat to Sharif? If Sharif’s life was in danger, what steps were taken to save him? What were the circumstances, and reasons under which Sharif went to Kenya from UAE? What is the truth behind the shooting incident in which Sharif died?

    The premier asked the chief justice to form a commission comprising all the justices of the SC. He also assured the apex court that the federal government would provide full support to the commission.

  • IK doesn’t mention intelligence officer name who he holds responsible for assassination attempt

    IK doesn’t mention intelligence officer name who he holds responsible for assassination attempt

    In an interview with CNN’s Becky Anderson, former Prime Minister Imran Khan named two of the three people he has alleged are behind the attack on him, however he surprisingly did not name the third person.

    Talking to Anderson, the Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said that three bullets were removed from his right leg while some shrapnel was left inside his left leg and that it would take him “four to six weeks” to resume his activities after the assassination attempt in Wazirabad.

    Khan also said that there were two shooters and hinted at the possibility of a third gunman. “There was this guy who fired the first volley … then there was another volley [that] came in over our heads because we were falling,” he added, terming the attack a “planned assassination attempt”.

    He also alleged that a cover-up of the incident was underway, saying that is why he had called for an independent investigation and for three people to resign — who Khan claims are responsible for the attack. Khan then named Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and mentioned a senior intelligence official but surprisingly did not name him during the interview.

    When asked about the source of his pre-emptive information about the attack, Khan referred to his term in power and said he had “connections with intelligence agencies.”

    “How did I get the information? From within the intelligence agencies. Why? Because most people are appalled by what is going on in this country. What is happening in Pakistan is unprecedented,” he told CNN, adding that if his allegations were wrong, then an inquiry would prove them wrong. He questioned that he could, as the intended target of the attack, “not name the people I’m suspicious of planning this attempt on me.”

    The former Premier also alleged that two months ago, an agency produced a video that accused him of blasphemy. He stressed that his opponents had “picked up and ran with” the video while he had said right then at the time that it was a “planned thing”.

  • PTI rejects FIR against Imran Khan’s attempted assassination

    PTI rejects FIR against Imran Khan’s attempted assassination

    A First Report Information (FIR) has been registered against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s attempted assassination in Wazirabad almost a week after the tragic incident.

    The FIR has been lodged at the City Police Station in Wazirabad with sub-inspector Aamir Shahzad as the complainant.

    The prime suspect, Naveed, who was captured at the crime scene, has been nominated in the FIR. The report was registered under various charges including terrorism, murder and attempt to murder with sections 302, 324, 440 and Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 included.

    According to the FIR, Imran Khan and other PTI leaders were headed to Wazirabad from Allahwala Chowk, when at 4pm, the accused, Naveed opened fire from the left side of the container, killing Muazzam son of Nawaz of Bharoki Cheema, who was a participant in the rally. Moreover, the FIR says the gun attack left Imran Khan wounded.

    PTI’s leaders have categorically rejected the FIR, while social media was flooded with the party’s supporters dismissing the report.

    PTI’s Secretary General Asad Umar tweeted, “The reality of the established system in the country came to the public. Not a few individuals, but the whole system was exposed to the nation.”

    PTI’s senior leader Fawad Chaudhry pointed out that the names of Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and Major General Faisal were not mentioned in the FIR and thus the party rejected it.

    PTI leader Shireen Mazari said the FIR was an “attempt at a complete cover up by the three accused through the power of their positions and the state.”

    PTI leader Hammad Azhar also discredited the FIR and said the FIR should be re-named “NRO”.

    The FIR was registered after the Supreme Court (SC) on Monday directed Faisal Shahkar, Inspector General (IG) of Punjab Police, to register it.

    The Chief Justice (CJ), Umar Ata Bandial, warned that the court would take suo motu notice if the FIR of the attack was not registered within 24 hours.

  • PM Shehbaz urges CJP Bandial to form full court, says will quit politics if there is proof of Khan’s allegations

    PM Shehbaz urges CJP Bandial to form full court, says will quit politics if there is proof of Khan’s allegations

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday condemned the assassination attack on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan which took place in Wazirabad earlier this week.

    “The attack is condemnable, however, when the nation is being pushed towards devastation by false narratives it is my responsibility that I play a positive role to protect the people,” he said, addressing a press conference in Lahore. The Premier extended his wishes to Khan and other people injured in the attack, hoping for their speedy recovery and prayed for the victim who was shot dead in the attack.

    PM Shehbaz urges CJP Bandial to form full court commission to probe Imran’s allegations

    PM Shehbaz then demanded that Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Umar Ata Bandial, constitute a “full court commission” to probe allegations levelled by Khan wherein he accused the premier, the federal interior minister, and a senior military official General Faisal Naseer, of planning the assassination attempt on him.

    “I think this is the need, that there should be an immediate decision based on justice this time. I request the chief justice to form a full court commission with all honorable and respectable judges for the greater interest of this country and to end this discord and chaos,” the prime minister told the press members.

    “I will immediately request this via a letter in writing, and I hope this request will be supported. And if you do not accept this request, these questions will remain forever. This fitna and sazish will be buried only when facts come to light,” said the perturbed prime minister.

    Khan is attacking the Pakistan army in a way an enemy would do: PM Shehbaz

    “Imran Khan’s tales are full of contradictions. I cannot, for even a moment, waste my time thinking that this man — who Allah granted a new life — is lying day and night. Today, he is attacking the Pakistan army in a way an enemy would do,” said Shehbaz Sharif, slamming the former prime minister.

    He then slammed the PTI chief for his comments against state institutions, particularly Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and his family, and lamented that enemy nations were celebrating the critical situation in Pakistan.

    “What else would an enemy country like India want? They are celebrating today. India’s TV channels are excited to see Khan speak ill about the ISI and military institutions as [the PTI chief] is levelling severe allegations against them that one couldn’t even think about,” PM Shehbaz said, deeming Khan an “idol of lies — from tip to toe”.

    “Unfortunately, he is trying to derail the nation. But this country of 22 million people will be protected by Allah,” he promised.

    ‘Punjab govt should be held accountable’

    Not sparing the PTI-led Punjab government, Shehbaz Sharif stressed that it was their responsibility and that, “they should be held accountable for the incident.”

    He added that the Inspector-General of Police and Chief Secretary belongs to them and asked why they haven’t conducted a forensic of the four bullets which the Punjab government has claimed hit Khan.

    “On October 28, the federal agency wrote a letter to the Punjab government about threats of terrorist attacks on Khan’s long march,” the Premier said, adding that it was the provincial administration’s responsibility to ensure safety after the letter was shared with them.

    The Premier further added that the Punjab government should be questioned about the incident and about the delay in registering the first information report.

    Will quit politics if Khan shows evidence: PM Shehbaz

    PM Shahbaz also challenged the PTI chief to present evidence proving his, Rana Sanaullah’s, or General Faisal’s involvement.

    He maintained that if Khan successfully shows evidence to the people that he was behind the attack, then “I don’t have a right to continue to hold the Prime Minister’s Office.”

    Berating Khan for his “false conspiracies”, the Prime Minister called Khan out for criticising the institution which gave several sacrifices. “Nobody can say such poor things against this institution,” he added.

    In response to a question regarding Senator Azam Swati’s video — which has surfaced on social media — PM Shahbaz said that the matter has been brought to his knowledge and he has directed the Ministry of Interior to take notice. He vowed to bring the findings in front of the people.

  • Khawaja Asif shifts blame of assassination attempt onto Khan

    Khawaja Asif shifts blame of assassination attempt onto Khan

    Federal Minister for Defence, Khawaja Asif, has shifted the blame for Thursday’s assassination attempt on former Prime Minister Imran Khan onto the man himself, citing what he described as “crossing the red lines of religion”.

    “The suspect’s videos that have surfaced … they show that religious fanaticism motivated the attack. Time and time again, the former prime minister came close to crossing boundaries — or he crossed the boundaries — he crossed the red lines of religion because of which a man attacked him,” Khawaja Asif said on Friday. The minister quoted the suspect as proof that Khan had brought the attack upon himself.

    He began his speech by saying that the incident was a “Cause of embarrassment for the nation”.

    “And we, the federal government, want that if there is a conspiracy behind it, then it should be brought to light,” he stated.

    The defence minister stressed that “We should not refrain from taking any step that will prove to be helpful for us in this matter” and that the investigation into the incident and efforts to get to the bottom of the matter should not be politicised.

    “Don’t let this incident fall victim to politics,” he reiterated, while adding, “They should go after the suspects, but all that they have been doing [demonstrates] that they are not interested in the investigation. They have made Rana Sanaullah, the prime minister and DGC the culprits.”

    He recalled that Imran previously said he had contacts in the establishment. “And now those contacts are being named in the murder attempt [case],” the minister said. “By naming politicians and a senior army officer, they are taking the matter in a direction where they will not find any clue or suspect.”

    Imran Khan was shot at thrice in Punjab’s Wazirabad on Thursday, November 3. The suspect, Naveed ,is in police custody and has confessed to the crime on a video where he says that he had planned to kill the former Prime Minister ever since his long march left Lahore.

  • ‘Siyasat mein violence ki koyi jagah nahin,’ Condemnations pour in after assassination attempt on Imran Khan

    ‘Siyasat mein violence ki koyi jagah nahin,’ Condemnations pour in after assassination attempt on Imran Khan

    Former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on Thursday while leading his party’s long march in Wazirabad. The Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was shot in the leg and is currently receiving medical treatment at Shaukat Khanum Hospital, Lahore. According to media reports, one person was killed while seven people sustained injuries.

    Other than Khan, PTI leaders Faisal Javed and Ahmad Chattha were also injured. Following the tragic incident, leaders from across the political spectrum condemned the attack on Khan.

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the firing incident and said that an immediate report of the incident has been sought from Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah.

    In a tweet, he said, “I strongly condemn the firing at Imran Khan’s rally. An immediate report of the incident has been sought from the Interior Minister. We pray for the speedy recovery of Imran and other injured. The federal government will provide all possible support to the Punjab government in the security/investigation of the incident. Violence should have no place in country’s politics.”

    President Dr Arif Alvi took to Twitter to express his concern, saying that “This attack was sad, alarming, deceitful and cowardly”.

    The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has said that the firing incident during PTI’s long march near Gujranwala is “highly condemnable”.

    “Sincere prayers for precious life lost and speedy recovery and well-being of Imran Khan and all those injured in this unfortunate incident,” the military’s media wing said.

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif also condemned the attack and prayed for Khan’s and other party leaders’ recovery.

    Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto said, “Strongly condemn the attack on Imran Khan. Praying for his swift recovery.”

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)’s Twitter account tweeted that Former President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the firing incident. He said, “I pray to God that Imran Khan recovers soon”.

    PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz also condemned the unfortunate incident.

    Sanaullah’s office’s official account said that on the instructions of PM Shehbaz, a report of the incident was sought from the Chief Secretary and Inspector General of Police (IG) Police Punjab.

    From PML-N leaders, Ahsan Iqbal also came forward to condemn the attack.

    He tweeted, “Thank God Imran Niazi is safe. There is no room for violence in politics. I strongly condemn the incident of firing on Imran Niazi’s container in Wazirabad. The Punjab government should review the security arrangements.”

    Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai wished the PTI chief a full recovery.

    “Attacks on leaders of any political belief or party are always wrong. And violence is never an acceptable protest”, she said in a tweet

  • Imran Khan par qatilana hamla: what we know so far about the assassination attempt on Khan

    Imran Khan par qatilana hamla: what we know so far about the assassination attempt on Khan

    Former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan survived an assassination attempt on Day seven of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) ‘Haqeeqi Long March’ as his container moved through Punjab’s Wazirabad.

    Here is a timeline of what happened.

    4:21PM – Firing near Imran’s container during the long march
    An unidentified assailant opens fire on PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s container near the Allah Ho Chowk

    4:37PM – Reports of Khan shot at and injured
    PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry confirms that Khan was shot in the leg in a targeted attack during the long march in Wazirabad today. Footage of Imran, with a bandaged leg, being moved from the container to a vehicle with the help of his security team surface.

    4:43PM – Imran injured, waves at supporters after injury, moved to a car
    Khan is rushed to a safe place as per initial reports. He is shot in the leg but is stable while being taken to hospital. He waves at supporters too.

    5:25PM – Prime Minister Shehbaz seeks immediate report on issue
    Prime minister Shehbaz Sharif took notice of and “severely condemns” the firing incident at Imran Khan’s long march.

    He instructs Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah to seek an immediate report on the incident from the IGP and chief secretary Punjab.

    6:00PM – Shooter confesses to crime
    The suspect/shooter, caught by police on the scene, says that he wants to kill PTI Chairman Imran Khan because “Khan was misleading the public.”

    “He (Imran) was misleading the people and I could not bear watching it so I killed him… attempted to kill him,” the shooter says in a video statement.

    “I tried my best to kill him. I wanted to kill just Imran Khan and no one else.”

    6:20PM – Reports of Khan being treated at Shaukat Khanum Hospital surface
    Khan is taken to Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital in Lahore for immediate treatment.

    6:50PM – Punjab IG wants report on attack
    According to Dawn News, Inspector-General of Punjab Police, Faisal Shahkar, took notice of the attack on PTI chairman Imran Khan and summons a report from Gujrat regional police officers.

    Meanwhile, the deputy police officer of Gujrat is instructed to reach the attack site.

    According to a statement from a police spokesperson, the attack will be investigated from all angles and the perpetrators will be arrested immediately.

    7:00PM – Khan out of danger, being treated at Hospital
    Dr Faisal Sultan, while talking to the media, says that Khan is out of danger and is being treated at the hospital.

    8:15PM – Khan names three suspects behind today’s attack: Asad Umar

    PTI leader Asad Umar, in a video message today, reveals Khan named three suspects who could be behind today’s attack.

    “Shortly before this video, Imran Khan called us and told us to convey this message to the nation on his behalf. He said that he had received some information earlier as well.”

    “He said that he believes three people were involved in the attack […] and those three people are Shehbaz Sharif, Rana Sanaullah and Major General Faisal,” Umar said.

    He also said that the PTI chief has demanded that Shehbaz, Sanaullah and General Faisal be immediately removed from their posts. “Otherwise, a protest will be held across the country.”

    8:53PM – Punjab CM orders constitution of JIT to probe attack

    Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi instructs the police to form a joint investigation team (JIT) to probe the attack on PTI’s convoy in Wazirabad today.

    Elahi says that the counter-terrorism department will be placed on the team to investigate the motives of the incident.

    “We want to know who is behind the incident, who trained the accused, how much money was he given and where did he get it from,” the chief minister said.

    9:10PM – Federal govt to ask Punjab govt to form JIT to probe attack on Imran

    The federal government decides to ask Punjab government to form a joint investigation team comprising senior officers to investigate the attack on Imran Khan, according to Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah.

    Sanaullah, in a press conference alongside Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb in Islamabad, said the entire government condemned the firing incident.

    He said the federal government has assured the Punjab government of “assistance of any kind” during the investigation.

  • Hafizabad girl hires assassin to kill best friend for getting married

    Hafizabad girl hires assassin to kill best friend for getting married

    A girl in Hafizabad hired an assassin to kill her best friend for breaking a promise regarding living and dying together, and not getting married.

    According to reports, the victim was left critically injured after the hitman attacked her on the orders of her best friend.

    The accused had planned the murder to seek revenge when the victim decided to move on.

    She stole jewellery worth around Rs250,000 from her friend’s house and gave it to the assassin.

    A conversation between the accused and the hired contract killer has also surfaced after the incident. In the audio clip, the girl could be heard as telling the killer about the time of the attack and the victim’s whereabouts.

    The assassin reportedly broke into the victim’s house at midnight and opened fire.

    The accused girl is still at large.

  • Blind mystic woman who foresaw 9/11 predicts cure for cancer, assassination attempt on Putin in 2021

    Blind mystic woman who foresaw 9/11 predicts cure for cancer, assassination attempt on Putin in 2021

    A blind Bulgarian mystic Baba Vanga who allegedly foretold the event of 9/11 has predicted a cure for cancer and the attempt to murder Vladimir Putin in 2021.

    She has also claimed that a “strong” dragon will overcome humanity next year.

    The “Nostradamus of the Balkans”, Baba Vanga died in 2000 but is thought to own a mysterious skill to see the coming events.

    Her history, as far as her followers tell, is that this shadowy woman was brought up on a farm known as Macedonia now and was blinded in a dust storm giving her the very “second sight”.

    People say that she foretold the President Donald Trump’s coronavirus illness in October earlier this year and that the Russian submarine Kursk would sink in 1989.

    Preceding her death at the age of 75 in 1996, the Bulgarian mystic told that 2021 would be the year when a cure for cancer would be known claiming that with the start of the 21st century, people will get rid of cancer. “The day will come when cancer will get tied with iron chains.”

    One of her predictions included that the Russian President Vladimir Putin will be the target of an assassination attempt next year, also said that Islamic radicals will step to attack Europe and that the extremists will use an collection of chemical weapons on Europeans also that the world will go through a lot of calamities and excessive tragedies.

    She claimed that the perception of people will have a transformation.

    “Difficult times will come. People will be divided by their faith.”

    The strangest of all her predictions yet is that a dragon will be overcoming humanity in 2021.

    “A strong dragon will seize humanity,” she says. “The three giants will unite. Some people will have red money. I see the numbers 100, 5, and many zeros.”

    Followers of the mystic like to point to her 85 percent accuracy in previous predictions, drawn from research by a former director of the Bulgarian Institute of Suggestology, Professor Georgi Lozanov.

    However, a 2012 Washington Post investigation uncovered that many of the predictions attributed to the mystic have their origins in viral Russian social media posts.

    No credible written version of the Baba‘s predictions is available to view, either.

    According to one Bulgarian newspaper, her neighbours were quick to spike the idea that she predicted 9/11 or the sinking of the Kursk.