Imran Khan has planned anti government march on Thursday to force new elections
Pakistan's cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, gestures during a press conference, in Lahore, Pakistan. (Photo: AP)
Islamabad: The former chief of Pakistan's ISI intelligence agency is guiding Imran Khan's march on Islamabad to topple Nawaz Sharif's government, a senior minister had reportedly claimed.
The allegation that Lt-General Ahmed Shuja Pasha is serving as "strategic advisor" for the demonstrations reflects growing tension in the capital as Mr Khan's planned march from Lahore to Islamabad on Thursday draws nearer, the Telegraph reported .
We will ask the SC CJ to take suo moto action against NS for destroying the livelihood of so many people just to protect his badshahat.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 9, 2014Soldiers have been deployed outside the National Assembly, the president's house and other sensitive sites to stop the marchers entering the capital's central 'red zone'.
The former Pakistan cricket captain and opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman is expected to lead an estimated 60,000 supporters on the march, which is expected to be joined by a further 50,000 supporters of the popular Muslim cleric Tahirul Qadri who has called for a 'revolution' to oust Nawaz Sharif's government.
Mr Khan has claimed the 2013 election result, in which Mr Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (N) won an 86-seat majority, was distorted by widespread ballot rigging in at least 35 constituencies. He has alleged that extra ballot papers were printed and that senior judges, officials and returning officers were involved in a conspiracy. He has demanded a recount in those constituencies but Mr Sharif has offered an audit in only ten constituencies.
Mr Sharif, the prime minister, is expected to make a last ditch appeal to Mr Khan for new talks to resolve their dispute. The PTI leader however has rejected his overtures and insisted he will not enter talks until after his planned protests on Thursday.
( Source : dc )
Next Story
