Former prime minister Imran Khan on Thursday said that the November 3 attack on him was a “planned assassination attempt”, insisting that three shooters were involved in the incident.
Addressing the nation, the ex-premier – who is still recovering from his bullet injuries – called for a “powerful” body backed by the chief justice of Pakistan to probe the incident as he talked about the findings of the joint investigation team (JIT).
Last year in Nov, a PTI worker died and 14 others, including the former prime minister and PTI leaders, were injured in the attack at Wazirabad’s Allahwala Chowk, where the party’s “Haqeeqi Azadi”‘ march against the federal government had stopped on its way to Islamabad.
In his televised address, the PTI chairman said that “two to three people” were behind the plot to assassinate him. “I know that the country’s armed forces are giving sacrifices for the country […] but there are black sheep in every institution.
“But the person who planned this, I want them to cooperate with the JIT. Action should be taken against those deliberately obstructing justice.”
He also appealed to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial for justice. “I had stated earlier that I only expect justice from the Supreme Court. Powerful people who I have named will not allow justice to be carried out. If the chief justice back a powerful inquiry, only then can I get justice.” During his address, Imran claimed that people from “agencies” had already informed him about the bid to assassinate him. He said that an attack with a motive similar to the “killing of Salman Taseer” was planned to eliminate him. Imran also claimed that attempts were made to create a narrative accusing him of committing blasphemy, in an effort to justify the attack on him by a “religious fanatic”.
He claimed that journalist Waqar Satti had allegedly shared a video of him that was later forwarded to others. He alleged that this was followed by press conferences by PML-N leaders, wherein they accused him of hurting the religious sentiments of the masses.
He alleged that PTV was also told to run a campaign against him for four straight days.
