ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan has announced October 28 as the date for his anti-government long march to Islamabad, saying his party and supporters are fighting for the “country’s future.”
Khan, who was ousted in a parliamentary no-trust vote in April, has since refused to accept the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and allies.
The former premier claims his ouster was a result of a United States-backed “foreign policy” for pursuing an independent foreign policy for Pakistan. Washington and Khan’s opponents deny the allegation.
He has since been holding rallies across the country to pressure the government into announcing snap elections in the South Asian country.
“I am announcing the long march on Friday,” Khan, who is chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, said at a press conference in Lahore.
“I am starting from Lahore. We will gather at Liberty [Chowk] at 11 and therefrom our march will begin toward Islamabad.”
He said he had called off his previous march to Islamabad on May 25 out of fear of a bloodshed in the country.
The former premier criticized the incumbent government for using force to disperse supporters during the May 25 march, accusing the authorities of forcefully keeping journalists and news channels from covering his protests.
Khan also spoke of Arshad Sharif, a prominent Pakistani journalist who was shot dead in Kenya Sunday night. He said Sharif had been receiving threats and he had twice advised him to leave the country.
“I have not seen such a painful example in Pakistan what they have done to Arshad Sharif,” the ex-premier said.
“He was threatened to change his stance.”
He said his long march was not part of politics and they were fighting for the “country’s future.”
“This jihad will define which direction Pakistan is to head in,” Khan said.
“This is our march for real freedom and it does not have any timeframe. We will take people along and reach Islamabad via GT Road.”
The former premier said he wanted the people of Pakistan to decide who should rule the country.
“We do not accept the ones [imposed] under a foreign conspiracy after compelling people to change loyalties by spending millions,” he added.
Ex-PM Khan announces anti-government march to Islamabad on October 28
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Ex-PM Khan announces anti-government march to Islamabad on October 28
- Khan, who was ousted in a no-trust vote in April, refuses to accept the government of Shehbaz Sharif
- The former premier has since been holding rallies to pressure government into announcing snap elections
China backs Pakistan in fight against militancy after deadly Balochistan attacks
- China is a major ally and investor in Pakistan and has pledged over $65 billion in major infrastructure projects, including in Balochistan
- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian says ‘we mourn for lives lost, and our hearts go out to injured and those who lost loved ones’
ISLAMABAD: China condemns the recent attacks that killed more than 200 people in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday, reaffirming Beijing’s support for Pakistan in its fight against militancy.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) group launched coordinated attacks in several cities across Balochistan on Saturday, killing 33 civilians and 17 security personnel. Officials said 117 militants were killed in skirmishes and follow-up operations.
Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, is the site of a decades-long insurgency waged by Baloch separatist groups who often attack security forces, foreigners and non-local Pakistanis and kidnap government officials.
China is a major ally and investor in Pakistan and has pledged over $65 billion in investment in road, infrastructure and development projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
“China strongly condemns the [Balochistan] attacks... We mourn for the lives lost, and our hearts go out to the injured and those who lost their loved ones,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a press briefing on Tuesday.
“China firmly opposes any form of terrorism and will as always firmly support Pakistan in combating terrorism, maintaining solidarity and social stability, and protecting the safety of the people.”
Chinese nationals working in Pakistan have often been targeted by militants, particularly in the southwestern Balochistan province, where China is developing a deep seaport that is touted as the crown jewel of CPEC.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said last week the attacks, claimed by the separatist Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), were planned from India. New Delhi rejected the allegation as “baseless,” saying Islamabad was attempting to deflect attention from its internal challenges.
Balochistan is home to vast reserves of minerals and hydrocarbons. Separatist militant groups such as the BLA blame Islamabad for exploiting Balochistan’s natural resources and denying locals a share in them. The military and civilian government reject these allegations and say they are investing in the province’s development.
