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Anti-Drone Protests in Pakistan

Imran Khan, the cricketer-turned-politician, led thousands of his supporters on a march against US drone strikes.

The march against US drone strikes started from the capital, Islamabad.

By Aamir Masood

Published On 7 Oct 2012

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Imran Khan, the Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician, has led thousands of his supporters on a march from the capital, Islamabad, to the country’s restive tribal belt to protest against US drone strikes.

The march drew large crowds along the 44km route with thousands showering Khan’s convoy with rose petals.

Several American anti-war activists joined the march.

US drone strikes on suspected terror targets have been deeply unpopular with the Pakistani population as many civilians have been killed in the raids.

According to one estimate, the US carried out 300 drone strikes in Pakistan during the last eight years, killing more than 2,500 people in North Waziristan alone.

Imran Khan, the cricketer-turned-politician, led the march amid government warnings that the Taliban could attack the rally.
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Demonstrators showered rose petals on the convoy of Khan.
More than 200 local and foreign journalists travelled with the demonstrators to cover the event.
Khan, now a prominent opposition leader, criticised the government for its (***)hypocrisy(***).
A group of American anti-war activists joined the anti-drone rally.
The marchers held up banners and raised slogans against the drone strikes.
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Protests against drone strikes have been frequent in the past as civilian deaths in the raids have stirred widespread anger.
According to one estimate, the US has launched more than 300 drone strikes in Pakistan in the last eight years, killing more than 2,500 people in North Waziristan alone.