Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan Launches ‘Long March’ for Early Elections

Date: 28 October 2022 - 22:32

News ID: ۱۰۸۳۱۳

LAHORE (Pakistan) (AFP) –
Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan launched a so-called “long march” Friday on the capital Islamabad to demand early elections, piling pressure on a government already in crisis.
The former international cricket star was booted from office in April by a no-confidence vote after defections by some of his coalition partners, but he retains mass public support in the South Asian country.
Thousands of people gathered in the eastern city of Lahore, from where a convoy began the 380-kilometre (240-mile) journey to the capital, expected to take around a week with rallies planned along the route.
“We need to rid the country of looters and thieves who are taking the country’s money for their own interests,” said supporter Muhammad Mazhar, 36.
“We need to save the country and change this system, so I am supporting Imran Khan.”
Last week, Pakistan’s election commission disqualified Khan from holding public office for five years on charges of unlawfully selling government gifts he received from foreign dignitaries and concealing his assets.
Pakistan’s law minister Azam Nazir Tarar said the commission found Khan guilty of the charges and disqualified him from holding public office for five years.
Khan was voted into power in 2018 on the promise of fighting corruption, but his mishandling of the economy didn’t help his case.
Despite being ousted from power, Khan’s popularity has increased, which was reflected in by-elections held recently in Punjab where Khan’s party swept the polls. The unexpected victory by Khan’s party allowed them to regain control of Punjab province.