Former Pakistani PM attends first rally since shooting

Pakistan’s ousted Prime Minister Imran Khan has spoken to a huge crowd of supporters in his first public appearance since being shot at and injured three weeks ago.

Crowds gathered for a rally in the city of Rawalpindi, taking flags and signs.

The former cricket star urged them to live without fear of death.

One person was killed and several others injured during the attack earlier this month, which unfolded as Khan led a similar event.

The former PM was injured in his right leg and underwent surgery. He has accused members of the current government of plotting the attack, in Wazirabad.

Authorities have rejected the accusation and released a video purporting to show a confession from a man they describe as the only suspect in the shooting.

At the rally in Rawalpindi, Khan’s supporters erupted in cheers when he appeared after a delay of several hours.

One woman said she had come because Khan’s cause was that of the people of Pakistan, not of himself. “I am here for a leader who is supporting us,” she said.

“There is one man only who has been raising his voice against all the establishment,” a man in the crowd said. “He is here to look forward, he has given us a vision.”

The atmosphere was jovial despite heightened security, with crowds chanting slogans in support of the former prime minister and popular Pakistani songs blaring out from loudspeakers.

Agencies