Pakistanis Rally Demanding Imran Khan’s Resignation

By Staff, Agencies

Tens of thousands of Pakistani opposition supporters took to the streets on Friday to demand the ouster of what they say is the illegitimate government of Prime Minister Imran Khan, warning of chaos if their demands were not met.

The protest, held in the capital Islamabad, is the first concerted opposition challenge that cricket star-turned-politician Khan has faced since he won a general election last year promising to end corruption and create jobs for the poor.

The leader of one of Pakistan’s largest religious parties, Fazl-ur-Rehman, is spearheading the protest with the support of both main opposition parties. It comes as Khan’s government is struggling with the economy.

The opposition says the government is illegitimate and is being propped up by the military, which has ruled Pakistan for about half of its history and sets security and foreign policy. The military denies meddling in politics.

Khan, for his part, dismissed the opposition calls to step down and the government has warned it will not tolerate chaos on the streets.

Security is tight in Islamabad with the government and diplomatic sector - just a few miles from the rally site - sealed off, roads blocked by barriers of shipping containers.

Schools are closed, public transport suspended and internet services interrupted in some areas, a service provider said.