Khan leads convoy to Islamabad in street protest
IMRAN KHAN arrived in Pakistan’s capital last night with a convoy of thousands of supporters for a major rally the new government has attempted to shut down, triggering skirmishes between police and protesters.
He had earlier made a dramatic arrival in a helicopter, touching down on a motorway clogged with hundreds of cars and walking supporters outside the city of Mardan, 62 miles northwest of Islamabad.
The former prime minister and cricket player called on supporters of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaf (PTI) party to gather in Islamabad and stage a sit-in until fresh elections are called.
It follows weeks of rallies led by Mr Khan, who is trying to overturn his removal from power last month, claiming he was ousted by a Us-led regime change conspiracy. Mr Khan said: “We are moving towards Islamabad, and no question of any deal.
“We will remain in Islamabad until the announcement of dates for the dissolution of assemblies and elections are given.”
Mr Khan’s almost four years as prime minister ended when he was removed from power after losing a parliamentary no-confidence vote.
He has since held a string of large rallies and gathered considerable support, alleging he was ousted because he defied America on foreign policy.
America strongly denies the accusation.
His actions have raised fears of violence between his supporters and security forces. Shehbaz Sharif, the new prime minister, has said he will stop the convoy and said the rally was an attempt to “divide the nation and promote chaos”.
Authorities used shipping containers to block roads along the convoy route and there were sporadic clashes between police and protesters trying to clear the roads.
Mr Sharif ’s government was accused of a heavy-handed attempt to halt the protest when it arrested more than 1,700 people in raids on the homes of PTI supporters earlier in the week.
Earlier, the interior minister had apologised for the disruption and said residents had rejected Mr Khan’s rally.