Firing at PTI workers leaves nine injured near Jhelum

JHELUM: Nine people were injured on Sunday when gunmen opened fire at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters en route to attend the rally in Jehlum.

The injured were taken to the District Headquarters Hospital for treatment. According to details, the caravan was heading to Jhelum from Garmala to attend the PTI rally at the Syed Zameer Jaffery Stadium (Jehlum), when it came under armed attack.

Rescue sources said four of the injured were in critical condition. Taking notice of the incident, Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif has summoned a report.

The PTI has accused a PML-N leader and former MPA Chaudhry Nadim Khadim of the armed attack. A spokesman for the PTI condemned the attack and said that the government has resorted to dirty tricks and wants to spread anarchy.

He said that the incident was a bid to silence the PTI.

However, the PML-N leader denied attacking the PTI caravan, claiming that Imran Khan’s workers opened fire on his residence.

Speaking to Geo News Khadim said, "The [PTI] rally marched on my house and opened fire. They fought with my men and opened fire at my residence, and my men responded in defence.”

DPO Jhelum said that all of the injured belong to PTI and the police were recording their statements.

"Both parties are blaming each other for the incident, but a case will be lodged in light of statements recorded from the injured," he said.