Imran Khan injured after he falls during rally in Lahore

Pakistan cricket star turned politician Imran Khan sustained head injuries and was rushed to hospital on Tuesday after falling off a lift taking him onto the stage for an election rally.

May 07, 2013 20:18 IST

Hundreds of well wishers and party supporters gathered outside the hospital, chanting "Long Live Imran Khan"

Photo credit: AFP

PTI information secretary Shirin Mazari told AFP Khan had fallen from a height of more than seven feet (over two metres).

Photo credit: AFP
The 63-year-old, who has undertaken a punishing schedule of daily rallies, tumbled from a riser along with several of his staff, seemingly after one of them lost their balance.

Photo credit: AFP
Television footage showed Khan, leader of the Pakistan Movement for Justice party (PTI), bleeding from the head as he was carried by aides through the crowd.

Photo credit: AP

Mr Khan was carried by aides gripping onto his arms and legs as police cleared a way through the crowd.
"Imran Khan fell from a lifter. He has received injuries to his head and he has been taken to hospital," said a party spokesman

Campaigning has reached the final stretches ahead of Pakistan's general election.
Another party spokesman said Mr Khan's injuries were minor.
Mr Khan, who won only one seat in 2002 and boycotted polls in 2008, has led an electric campaign.

The dramatic development came at the end of a day that saw 17 people killed and dozens more wounded in bomb attacks in northwest Pakistan.