Imran Khan, Pakistan’s former World Cup-winning captain and prime minister, was shot in the leg during a protest march he was leading in Wazirabad, Punjab. The attack is believed to have injured nine other people and killed one.
The 70-year-old was rushed to the hospital shortly after, and top officials from his political party later stated that he was hit in the right shin and suffered bone damage from the pellet but added that the legendary former cricketer was in stable condition.
Pakistani television networks broadcasted video clips which amounted to a confession from the alleged gunman, who stated that Imran was the intended target. Khan was leading a protest rally to the capital Islamabad, demanding general elections after being ousted from power in April.
Imran, a legendary allrounder who led Pakistan to World Cup victory in 1992, was standing atop a large container truck with other party officials when shots were fired, forcing them to duck for cover. He was conscious and wearing a bandage on his right leg, just above the foot, as he was moved to another vehicle and eventually taken to the hospital, according to footage that was aired on Pakistani national television after the incident.
The attack occurred just under a week since Imran and thousands of supporters began their march from Lahore. Khan was elected Pakistan’s prime minister in August 2018. However, he faced a no-confidence motion in parliament earlier this year and was forced to resign, after which he has led a series of protest marches.
The situation also concerned the Ireland Cricket Board, as the Irish women’s team is currently in Pakistan for three ODIs and three T20Is. None of the matches have been rescheduled, but the Irish board put out a statement saying that they were reviewing the situation on the ground.
