World leaders denounce assassination attempt on Imran Khan

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.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also denounced the assassination bid on the former premier in Gujranwala.

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.

Read more: PM, politicians slam assassination bid on Imran Khan

Reuters quoted Indian foreign ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi as saying: "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.

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly wrote on the microblogging site, "There is no space for violence in politics."

German ambassador to Pakistan Alfred Grannas “shocked to learn about the attack on” Imran Khan, saying: “Important that the situation remains peaceful.”

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."

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also condemned the firing incident. "The US strongly condemns the shooting of Imran Khan at a political rally. We wish him and all others injured a quick recovery, and we offer condolences to the family of the individual who was killed," he added.

He urged all parties to remain peaceful. "Violence has no place in politics," he further said.

US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee also condemned the assassination attempt on Imran.

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.

A delegation of European Union (EU) to Pakistan said that violence is any form is wrong and unacceptable.

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."