U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken released a statement condemning an attack on former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was shot in the leg on Nov. 3 while participating in an anti-government protest.
“The United States strongly condemns the shooting of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and others at a political rally," Blinken said in the statement released the same day as the shooting. "We wish Imran Khan and all others who were injured a quick and thorough recovery, and we offer our condolences to the family of the individual who was killed."
Khan was traveling in a "protest convoy" to Islamabad from the country's east and was speaking to a crowd of supporters when the shooting occurred, Reuters and other news agencies reported. Khan was shot in the shin and several others were also wounded, according to the reports. One person was reportedly killed in the attack.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
| U.S. Department of State
An information minister for Pakistan's government said a suspect has been arrested in what Khan spokesperson Fawad Chaudhry told Reuters was "a clear assassination attempt." Unverified video footage shown on Pakistani television and shared by Reuters shows man in his 20s or 30s holding a gun being grabbed at the gathering. The unidentified suspect reportedly said he acted alone; no one has yet been charged in the attack, Reuters reported.
Khan was removed from office in April after losing a parliamentary confidence vote and was subsequently convicted by Pakistan's election commission for unlawfully selling state gifts, Reuters and others report. Khan, who has denied the charges, has been holding rallies across Pakistan to protest the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who took office upon Khan's ouster.
Sec. Blinken in his condemnation said the U.S. "is deeply committed to a democratic and peaceful Pakistan, and we stand with the Pakistani people."
“Violence has no place in politics, and we call on all parties to refrain from violence, harassment, and intimidation," Blinken said.
