PAKISTAN: Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, addressed a huge crowd on Saturday, making his first public appearance since being shot and injured three weeks ago.
While addressing his supporters, Khan said he would fight until his “last drop of blood.”
The shooting was a fresh twist in months of political unrest that started in April when Khan was ousted by a vote of no confidence in parliament.
The rally held on Saturday by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party was the climax of a so-called “long march” to urge the government to schedule an early election before the current parliamentary term finishes in October of next year.
In Rawalpindi, crowds gathered for the rally while carrying flags and signs. When Khan finally arrived at the Rawalpindi rally after a lengthy delay, his fans cheered. The former cricketer urged them to live their lives without fear of death.
“I have seen death up close,” said Khan, who limped onto the stage with a walking frame to address fans from a cushy seat behind a panel of bulletproof glass.
He told the gathering, “I’m more concerned about Pakistan’s freedom than my life.” “I will fight for this country until my last drop of blood.”
One man in the throng said, “There has only been one man raising his voice against the entire establishment.” He has given us a vision, and he is here to look forward.
Despite increased security, the mood was upbeat, with people cheering for the former prime minister and loudspeakers blasting popular Pakistani music.
Khan claimed that “three criminals” were waiting to attempt to take his life once more. But he cautioned his supporters: “Fear turns a whole nation into slaves.”
On Saturday, Khan said that he was withdrawing his protest march to Islamabad out of concern that it might cause havoc in the nation.
The rallies, which were to culminate in a march to Islamabad, threatened to exacerbate the political unrest already present in the nation, which is home to nuclear weapons and is also experiencing an economic crisis.
Earlier this year, the former international cricket player was ousted from the government after losing a vote of confidence in parliament. His eligibility to serve in public office was later revoked.
He’s been accused of not adequately disclosing information about gifts, such as Rolex watches, rings, and cufflinks, that he received and sold off while he was in office.
Khan says the accusations against him are politically driven and that he has done nothing wrong. He has become a prominent critic of Pakistan’s government and its strong military leadership since being removed from office.
Khan continues to be highly popular throughout the nation and draws sizable crowds to his rallies.
Meanwhile, the government has repeatedly stated that a national election will be held next year as scheduled.
Pakistan’s long history has witnessed deadly political violence. In the most well-known instance, former prime minister Benazir Bhutto was killed in 2007 at a gathering of the general population.
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