Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has said that he is ready to “forgive” attackers, who were involved in an assassination attempt back in November last year.

“There was an assassination attempt on my life, and I know who attacked me [but] I am ready to forgive for the country’s sake,” said Khan in a video address on Saturday as PTI kicks off the election campaign.

The PTI chief and at least 14 others, including party leaders, had received bullet injuries when the party’s long march was attacked while passing through Wazirabad. One participant in the march was killed during the attack.

Naveed, was caught red-handed at the crime scene along with the weapon he used.

“I am ready to talk with everyone and compromise because considering Pakistan’s upcoming condition,” he said adding that the whole nation will have to confront the crisis together.

The PTI chief recalled that he had conveyed the message to then Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa that if the PTI government was taken out of power, there would be instability.

“I conveyed this message through Shaukat Tarin, I tried to explain, the war in Ukraine had started, and removing our government would have increased the difficulties.”

Commenting on the upcoming elections in Punjab, Khan said that elections are the only way to take Pakistan out of this crisis. “The nation is asking what PTI will do if it comes to power, the government should be the one that the nation is standing with, this type of government can come only from elections.

He insisted that the General election should be held simultaneously with Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“Instead of 60 percent Of Pakistan, general elections should be held simultaneously so that a government comes for five years, this is the first step to getting out of this mess, it will bring confidence to the people that the new government has come for five years.”

Moreover, the former prime minister said that as a nation they all have to stand united, people, and institutions together to get out of this economic crisis.

PTI’s election campaign

Imran Khan also announced that PTI would hold its first rally next Saturday. He called on the PTI workers in Punjab and KP to prepare themselves.

Commenting on PTI candidates for the upcoming election, the PTI chief said that he would distribute tickets in the next one to two weeks.

“I am distributing the tickets myself this time because I got to know that they were sold last time and the wrong candidates were made,” he said adding that he is leaving the matter upon himself and not to anyone.

He warned to take strict action against any party member for compromising on the party discipline. “If any PTI member contesting independently (if not awarded a party ticket), would be immediately removed since this is the most important election in Pakistan’s history.”