DAMMAM — Every Pakistani residing in and out of Pakistan was stunned as the images of a debonair Imran Khan falling down from a makeshift podium and injuring himself flashed across every news channel around the world Tuesday evening. Clad in a blue shalwar kameez with a green long scarf wrapped loosely around his neck, Khan was rising on a makeshift lift when a security man climbed awkwardly and lost his balance. Khan fell head first from a height of 15 feet (five meters) and hit a metal part protruding from the lift. TV images showed a dazed Khan bleeding from his head and being lifted by his supporters. Within seconds the news traveled like wildfire and friends and foes, supporters and detractors were all glued to the television, Twitter and other forms of media. Some of them suspected sabotage, some thought it was a publicity gimmick, but hours later sympathy started pouring in from every corner. The 60-year-old reportedly suffered a minor fracture and received 12 stitches to his head. He was shifted to Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital that Khan himself built in memory of his mother. Khan was shocked and his nephew later told media that his uncle kept reciting prayers in the ambulance. Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz immediately issued sympathy statements. Sharif in a goodwill gesture asked his party workers to halt a media campaign against his political opponent. Pakistanis residing in Saudi Arabia were as worried as anyone else back home. They started contacting family members in Pakistan on social media such as Viber, WhatsApp and Facebook. Just like in his cricketing heyday, Khan still has a strong female support base. Prayers were offered for his speedy recovery. Young boys and girls checked the latest updates on his condition on Twitter and Facebook. Nashmia Ejaz, currently an instructor of interior design at Prince Muhammad University, said: “Oh my God. I am glued to the TV and iPad, checking updates on Facebook and Twitter. “I am dismayed and shocked by this unforeseen incident, truly praying for his rapid recovery. “We cannot deny the fact that it has led the captain to a stronger place in the hearts of Pakistani youths supporting PTI (Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party). “As they say, ‘When a leader falls for the nation, the nation rises for the leader'.” Amber, who is doing chartered accountancy, said: “I am praying for his recovery.'' Mahnoor, a teenager who is sitting her O-level exams, said she prayed for Khan's speedy recovery the moment she heard the news. “I do not know much about politics, but I think he can be a good leader for Pakistan.” Another Pakistani expatriate, who identified himself as Abbasi, said he heard that Khan did not opt for a VIP or private room but stayed in the general ward with other injured men. “Such things are done just to create a positive image in voters' minds. Why not a private room when everyone knows how lavishly you live your life?” One Pakistani man was in such a haste that he texted all his friends that Khan was in hospital. Saleem Khan, an engineer, said laughingly: “Maybe the lift was made in Ittefaq Foundry (owned by Nawaz Sharif).” Later, famous singer and PTI leader Abrarul Haq, a close associate of Khan, confirmed his colleague was out of danger. Khan himself said that he would be addressing his supporters on Thursday in Rawalpindi. His opponents might have a few sleepless nights as the courage and gallantry showed by Khan on Tuesday may win him a few more sympathy votes.
