LAHORE

The assassination attempt on former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during his march to Islamabad last month was a “well-planned conspiracy”. This claim has been made by the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) probing the case.

Khan, chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was attacked on November 3 and a bullet hit his right leg when two gunmen fired at Khan and others at the time. The bullet was fired when they were standing on a container truck in the Wazirabad area, about 150 km from Lahore. He was leading a march to Islamabad demanding mid-term elections.

Sharing with the media the findings of the JIT probe headed by Lahore police chief Ghulam Mehmood Dogar, Punjab Home Minister Umar Sarfaraz Cheema on Monday said the gun attack on Khan was an “organised and pre-planned conspiracy”. He said the JIT probe found that there was more than one assailant who tried to kill 70-year-old Khan at the rally. Cheema said police have arrested prime suspect Muhammad Naveed and he is in JIT custody for questioning till January 3.

The attack was planned during loud sound

The minister claimed that Naveed was “trained and was present at the spot along with his colleagues.” He said that Naveed failed the polygraph test. According to Cheema, Naveed told the police that he wanted to kill Khan when loud music was being played for the azaan at the rally. Naveed’s cousin Muhammad Waqas is also in JIT custody till January 3 for his objectionable message on social media, he said.

Tweeted related to Imran’s rally

“Something big is going to happen at Imran Khan’s rally today,” Waqas had tweeted on November 3. He was accused of conspiring to assassinate him. The Punjab Police had registered an FIR in the matter but did not name anyone despite Khan’s allegation. Khan is currently recuperating and is at his residence in Zaman Park, Lahore.