Editorial: Tragedy averted in Pakistan

A supporter of Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan placing flowers outside the hospital in Lahore where Khan is admitted after the shooting. – AFP

THE nation has narrowly avoided a grave tragedy thanks to sheer good luck and the quick thinking of one courageous bystander. When local media late yesterday afternoon broke the news of a reported gun attack on former prime minister Imran Khan’s “long march”, many would have recalled with cold dread Dec 27, 2007, when another popular leader was assassinated in a suicide attack.

It is as much the nation’s good fortune as it is Khan’s that the dastardly attempt on his life failed. He has, according to initial reports, sustained a bullet injury. Thankfully, being extraordinarily physically fit and active for his age, it appears that he will pull through just fine.