Social media reacts to targeted attack on Imran Khan

The Pakistani Twitter went into a frenzy on Thursday after news of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief and former premier Imran Khan being injured in a gun attack broke.

PTI leaders Senator Faisal Javed, Ahmed Chattha were also injured in the attack, whereas a party worker identified as Rashid and another man identified as Omer Meyer were also wounded in the attack.

 Journalist Ihtisham Ul Haq shared the image of the alleged attacker in a tweet asking who the man was.

Meanwhile, supporters have jumped in to praise the "hero" who prevented the alleged assassination attempt from being successful.

The incident occurred on Day 7 of the party's long march to the federal capital. According to media reports, the gunman has been arrested and Imran was safe.

Several media persons and prominent personalities have expressed shock and prayed for the former prime minister's safety.

Journalist Cyri Almeida tweeted saying "Pakistan makes you feel ill too often" as he reflected on the incident.

"Take your country back," he added, "Pakistan belongs to the people" as he noted the eerie similarity between the incident and the late Benazir Bhutto's assassination.

Senior journalist Matiullah Jan also condemned the attack as he urged for the facts to be revealed.

"Let the truth come out and the heaven fall for this time at least," he added.

The PTI chief has been hospitalised after he received at least one gunshot wound in the leg.

Chaotic scenes were seen as security personnel rushed to secure the premises after the incident occurred.

The PTI had resumed its Haqeeqi Azadi March to the federal capital from Wazirabad on Thursday (today), the seventh day of the long march.

The party's official Twitter handle had announced that party chief and deposed premier Imran Khan would spend the day in Wazirabad.

According to PTI leader Hammad Azhar, the rally was to continue from Kot Khizri in Wazirabad from 1 pm today.

The PTI had detailed the seventh day's route, maintaining that the march would begin at Kot Khizri, move to Maulana Zafar Ali Chowk, and conclude the day at Kacchari Chowk in Wazirabad.

PTI's Twitter had stated that the march would pass through various points of Wazirabad city GT Road and mobilise citizens.

Assassination plot

The PTI chief has on multiple occasions claimed that an “assassination attempt” was being hatched against him since is ouster as prime minister earlier this year.

In what was a prelude to his earlier May 25 ‘Azadi March’, Imran had told his supporters a plot was being orchestrated against his life, saying: “I have named all those elements involved in the conspiracy in the video. I knew about it and I got full knowledge of it a few days ago.”

Explaining why he recorded the video, Imran said, “If something happens to me, I want to let Pakistanis know who was involved inside and outside the country.”

He said he tried to expose in the video the conspirators who had colluded with the “looters” in the country, adding that his video would essentially expose all ‘traitors’ and everyone who had a role in the alleged conspiracy.