dpa
Islamabad
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked Pakistan’s chief justice to investigate an alleged murder plot against former premier Imran Khan which has led to nationwide protests.
Khan, who was shot in the leg at a rally in Punjab, had blamed Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and a top general from the intelligence agency for the attack on him on Friday.
“I will write to the Chief Justice to form a commission comprising all judges of the Supreme Court to investigate the allegations,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told media in Lahore on Saturday.
Police arrested a suspect immediately after the attack who had confessed to shooting at Khan in a bid to kill him. However, police have been reluctant to register a case of the incident because Khan wanted to nominate a senior military officer.
Sharif said that he would immediately step down and “quit politics” if there was one shred of evidence substantiating the allegations.
The military has also rejected Khan’s claims and asked the government to take action against those responsible for “false accusations” and “defamation of the institution.” Supporters responded to a call by Khan for protests to continue.
Rallies were reported from major cities on Saturday for a third day running. Riot police used tear gas and arrested dozens of demonstrators.
Khan came to power after a controversial victory in national elections in 2018 that were tainted by allegations of manipulation by the country’s powerful military in his favour.
The former premier was ousted by a vote of no confidence in parliament earlier this year but launched a protest movement which is pushing for fresh national elections.
