US Secretary of State Atony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly have strongly condemned the shooting of former Prime Minister Imran Khan at a political rally on Thursday, and wished him quick recovery, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
"The United States strongly condemns the shooting of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and others at a political rally," Blinken said in a statement posted on the State Department's website.
"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," Blinken said.
"Violence has no place in politics, and we call on all parties to refrain from violence, harassment, and intimidation," he said. "The United States is deeply committed to a democratic and peaceful Pakistan, and we stand with the Pakistani people."
Earlier, the White House also said it “strongly” condemns the attack on former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was shot in the shin when his anti-government protest convoy came under attack in the east of the country.
“The United States strongly condemns the attack on Imran Khan and his supporters and hopes for the swift recovery of all who were injured,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.
Khan, ousted as prime minister in a parliamentary confidence vote in April, was six days into a protest procession bound for Islamabad, standing and waving to thousands of cheering supporters from the roof of a container truck, when the shots rang out.
Imran Khan and other PTI leaders were injured after a man opened fire near the PTI reception camp at Allahwala Chowk in Wazirabad during the party’s long march.
UK secretary expresses concern over attack on Imran Khan
Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom James Cleverly has expressed deep concern and condemned armed attack on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief and former premier Imran Khan.
While expressing his concern over the violent attack, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom James Cleverly wrote in a tweet that he is shocked over attack on Khan in Pakistan. He said that his thoughts are with all those affected. He also stated that there is no space for violence in politics.