Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Tuesday sustained injuries when he fell down from a lifter while climbing up the stage in the Gulberg area, a posh locality with a strong support for his party. He was about to address a public gathering at NA-126, a constituency of PTI candidate for National Assembly Shafqat Mahmood, when he tumbled down along with three security personnel from the lifter. Khan was seen bleeding when he was taken away to a local hospital.
According to a doctor, Khan sustained injuries on his head and back. Later, he was taken to Shaukat Khanum Hospital for MRI scan. Initial reports suggested that he had received a minor fracture as a result of the fall from a height of 15-20 feet. Imran was on an election campaign in the provincial capital to address nine public rallies. However, because of the incident, the PTI postponed his public addressed in Lahore. Imran was also scheduled to lead a PTI election caravan from Lahore to Islamabad on Wednesday (today).
Meanwhile, political leaders of different parties expressed shock over injuries to the PTI Chairman. PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and senior leader Mian Shahbaz expressed sorrow over the incident and prayed for Imran Khan's early recovery.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz issued sympathetic statements to their competitor in Punjab. They prayed for his swift recovery. Also, on the instruction of Nawaz Sharif, PML-N suspended an anti-Imran Khan media campaign. Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q) President Senator Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Chaudhry Parvez Elahi and Moonis Elahi also expressed their grief and sorrow over PTI Chairman Imran Khan injury. In a joint message, PML-Q leaders prayed for his early recovery.
Chief Election Commissioner Justice (Retd) Fakhruddin G Ibrahim, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain and Allama Tahirul Qadri also sympathised with the PTI chief and prayed for his well being. After the incident, MQM postponed its public meeting in Sialkot. Meanwhile, famous singer and PTI leader Abrarul Haq called for launching an independent inquiry into the incident. Imran Khan's ex-wife Jamima Khan also tweeted that he was stable and conscious.
While talking to media persons, Dr Faisal Sultan from Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital said Imran Khan was in a stable condition, but he will remain in the hospital overnight. He also said the MRI scan showed a hairline fracture, which is causing pain in his back. "Imran will receive another medial check up tomorrow (today) and he has been advised complete bed rest for two weeks. Hence, he has also been advised to withdraw from further election activities," he added.