The attack that wounded former prime minister Imran Khan, party members and officials on Thursday evening, could reshape Pakistan’s politics and lead to a dangerous escalation, experts say.
Mr Khan had an operation to remove bullet shards after the attack that left him with non-life-threatening wounds to his leg. The former prime minister, who was removed in April after a no-confidence vote in parliament, was on a march with supporters to the capital to demand elections.
The attack in Wazirabad, in Punjab province, killed one person and left at least 10 others wounded. The suspected shooter was arrested on the scene.
“The attack on Imran Khan could have a bad effect on the political sphere in Pakistan,” said Irfan Ashraf, assistant professor at Peshawar University, who has a background in security, terrorism and law and order.
He said that Mr Khan’s response had been to “burn all the boats and he has announced a fight against the [security agencies] that brought him into power”.
After the attack, Mr Khan accused Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and Maj Gen Faisal Naseer of being complicit and demanded they resign from their posts.
Mr Ashraf said that this would up the ante, rather than defuse tensions.
“Despite the fact that Imran Khan has been informed of such a [dangerous] situation and with the example of the former prime minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto, in front of us, he didn’t listen to anyone and has adopted a rash approach.”
Benazir Bhutto was assassinated after a political rally in 2007.
While Mr Khan is likely to adopt tighter security measures, Mr Ashraf said that the victims of political violence or clashes with authorities would be supporters and party members.
“The lives of the PTI workers are in danger,” he said, using the acronym for Mr Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party.
“We saw people coming out to the street destroying public properties and if people create any untoward situation, there is no one to take the responsibility then.”
Mohammad Riaz, president of the Peshawar Press Club and a veteran reporter, said that while prime ministers have been removed from office in the past, they usually bide their time for the next election to try to stage a comeback.
Mr Khan, he said, had changed the playbook by lobbying for elections, staging rallies and hurling accusations at foreign states for orchestrating his removal.
“After the alleged assassination [attempt against] Imran Khan, people came out, which is completely new and a new trend has been set and the effects of this will be visible later,” he said.
But Mehmood Jan Babar, a senior journalist in Peshawar who has covered security issues in north-west Pakistan for 24 years, was less worried about escalation and told The National that the PTI could seek to turn the situation in their favour.
“If they carry the same momentum and keep the workers motivated [like now], it will benefit the PTI in the long term,” he said, with a nod to possible elections being demanded by Mr Khan.
Mr Jan Babar pointed to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa area, where the PTI has been in power for 10 years and where, after Thursday night’s incident, people took to the street in large numbers.
“If the incident is not investigated properly, it will definitely go in favour of the PTI,” he said.
Mr Khan has been pushing for elections and the choice of the next army head, and Mr Jan Babar said that if he plays the situation well, he could come out stronger and more popular with both demands.
But he did note that the situation could easily escalate, as highlighted by videos shared online of various local and national PTI officials threatening federal ministers and carrying arms at protests since the attack.
A doctor at the hospital where Mr Khan is receiving treatment told The National that Mr Khan was hit in the leg and had a tibial spiral fracture. He underwent an operation to nail and plate the area and remove the bullet fragments.
The doctor said Mr Khan will need time to heal from the fracture and muscle damage.
Officials have not yet said what kind of gun was used in the attack, but a weapons expert from Peshawar told The National that online videos of the attack appeared to show an automatic weapon being fired.
Arshad Afridi said that while all weapons imported into Pakistan were semi-automatic, they can be made to fire in full auto setting with a simple modification.
“Many imported weapons can be manufactured locally [as well] in Peshawar’s Dara Adamkhel region. Imported semi-auto pistols cost around $1,500-$2,000, but you can get a locally made [version] for about $100-$200,” he said.
Name: Peter Dicce
Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics
Favourite sport: soccer
Favourite team: Bayern Munich
Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer
Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
The Specs:
The Specs:
Engine: 2.9-litre, V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Power: 444bhp
Torque: 600Nm
Price: AED 356,580 incl VAT
On sale: now.
Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairy Tale
Starring: Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Nagarjuna Akkineni
Director: Amith Krishnan
Rating: 3.5/5
MATCH INFO
Newcastle United 1 (Carroll 82')
Leicester City 2 (Maddison 55', Tielemans 72')
Man of the match James Maddison (Leicester)
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.6-litre turbo
Transmission: six-speed automatic
Power: 165hp
Torque: 240Nm
Price: From Dh89,000 (Enjoy), Dh99,900 (Innovation)
On sale: Now
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Sunday:
GP3 race: 12:10pm
Formula 2 race: 1:35pm
Formula 1 race: 5:10pm
Performance: Guns N' Roses
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
MATCH INFO
What: 2006 World Cup quarter-final
When: July 1
Where: Gelsenkirchen Stadium, Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Result:
England 0 Portugal 0
(Portugal win 3-1 on penalties)
More from Neighbourhood Watch
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
Expert advice
“Join in with a group like Cycle Safe Dubai or TrainYAS, where you’ll meet like-minded people and always have support on hand.”
Stewart Howison, co-founder of Cycle Safe Dubai and owner of Revolution Cycles
“When you sweat a lot, you lose a lot of salt and other electrolytes from your body. If your electrolytes drop enough, you will be at risk of cramping. To prevent salt deficiency, simply add an electrolyte mix to your water.”
Cornelia Gloor, head of RAK Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centre
“Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can ride as fast or as far during the summer as you do in cooler weather. The heat will make you expend more energy to maintain a speed that might normally be comfortable, so pace yourself when riding during the hotter parts of the day.”
Chandrashekar Nandi, physiotherapist at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai
Manchester City transfers:
OUTS
Pablo Zabaleta, Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy, Willy Caballero and Jesus Navas (all released)
INS
Ederson (Benfica) £34.7m, Bernardo Silva (Monaco) £43m
ON THEIR WAY OUT?
Joe Hart, Eliaquim Mangala, Samir Nasri, Wilfried Bony, Fabian Delph, Nolito and Kelechi Iheanacho
ON THEIR WAY IN?
Dani Alves (Juventus), Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)
