Islamabad High Court officials cited an intelligence report that indicated fears of another assassination attempt on the former prime minister.
Islamabad, Pakistan – Pakistan’s chief justice, citing an intelligence report, says former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s life is in danger for fear of another assassination attempt.
Aamer Farooq, chief justice of the Islamabad High Court, said this on Friday while hearing a petition filed by a trade union regarding the closure of roads in the capital for political protests.
Earlier this month, Khan, 70, was shot in the leg by an assailant in the city of Wazirabad while on a “long journey” to Islamabad to demand snap elections.
A supporter of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was killed and more than a dozen others injured in the attack, forcing the party to call off its march.
The politician-turned-politician accused Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and army chief General Faisal Naseer of masterminding the attack.
Khan did not testify in his case which was rejected by the government and the military. The suspect was arrested and is being questioned by police.
In the case on Friday, the police submitted to the court an intelligence report which said that Khan may attack another person when he re-enters Islamabad.
Justice Farooq also asked the PTI to file a fresh petition seeking permission to hold a rally in Islamabad. He has asked the police to ensure the safety of the people performing the ceremony when they arrive in the city.
Khan, who is recuperating from his wound at his home in Lahore, has been talking to fellow travelers via video “long journeys” to resume on November 10.
He is expected to rejoin the expedition when it reaches Rawalpindi later this week.
Since being ousted from office in April this year after losing confidence in parliament, Khan has been holding rallies across Pakistan to pressure the government to call early elections, possibly as early as next year.
The PTI chief said that his removal was an “extraordinary conspiracy” carried out by the United States in collaboration with his political and military opponents. Islamabad and Washington have repeatedly denied the allegations.
However, in a recent interview with Britain’s Financial Times, Khan made a U-turn, saying he was ready to drop the controversy.
“As far as I know, it’s over, it’s behind me. The Pakistan I want to lead should have good relations with everyone, especially the United States,” he said.
