MUMBAI (AFP) — Pakistan cricket legend Imran Khan warned that the South Asian nation was heading “towards chaos” and called for President Pervez Musharraf to quit following Benazir Bhutto’s assassination.
“General Musharraf’s time is up. He should step down as there’s no end to terrorism in Pakistan,” Khan, who leads Pakistan’s marginal Tehreek-e-Insaf party, told reporters in India’s financial capital. “Pakistan is going towards chaos. Musharraf kept saying he will crush terrorism… today terrorism is crushing us,” Khan added. Khan called for the setting up of a consensus caretaker government and a judicial probe into the assassination of two-time premier Bhutto.
Pakistan’s main opposition leader was killed in a gun-and-suicide bomb attack Thursday ahead of scheduled January 8 elections.
“The upcoming elections in Pakistan are all a sham. (After Bhutto’s death) who will now hold political rallies? Who knows what happens next in Pakistan?” asked Khan, who was on a private visit to Mumbai.
Khan said he would head back to Pakistan on Saturday and added that his party would boycott the upcoming elections.
The Pakistani elections now appear increasingly in doubt, with senior government officials apparently considering whether to announce a delay. “I do not feel threatened, but the truth is that anyone can be bumped off in Pakistan and blame it on the Al-Qaeda,” Khan said.
Pakistan pointed a finger on Friday at the extremist Al-Qaeda terrorist network for the assassination of Bhutto, as her body was taken to her ancestral home for burial and anger at her death erupted into deadly unrest in the streets.
At least 32 people have been killed in violence since Bhutto’s death and there have been angry demonstrations in several cities, with mobs ransacking offices and torching buildings and vehicles.
Khan blamed the United States for jeopardising Bhutto’s life.
“America kept saying openly that she (Bhutto) is our candidate… obviously her life came under more threat from Islamic fundamentalists,” Khan said.
Khan said Musharraf had no option now but to step down.
“You cannot win the war on terror if you lose the battle to gain people’s hearts and minds,” said Khan, who was staying at a beach-front residence owned by the leading Indian industrialist Godrej family. “Musharraf is a problem, not our solution,” he added.
Khan said Pakistan is ready for a democratic-led process towards growth, stating that Washington should support democracy, not an individual.
“India should back our democratic process,” he added.
**Paying tribute to Bhutto, Khan called her “far bolder and stronger than any man I know.”
lol those Pakistani politician are the most depressed people on the face of earth....
all they see is chaos....and nothing else....but sadly most of them never commit suicide....and live a whole life of depression....thats really sad but thats the story of their lives.....
Chill out guys, he was already in India, and what he should have done, even if he was in Pakistan what he would have done? just give me few examples.......And he is against all of elections and not even contesting so why blame him..........???
Yeh we need leaders like him, who was in bombay when the nation needs him. ..Oops.. err.. he is not a leader, a joker might be a good word.
We all know terrorism is crushing us, but didn't he was the one who wanna peace talk with those retarders.
Us ko wohi nazil hoi thi Benazir ko mer den gey, and he was supposed to come here? Were you 100% awake when you posted that? Also, what good would have his presence in Pakistan done, would he have saved Benazir had he been in Pakistan? And for your information, he came back already, and was supposed to goto her burial site, but his dad is in critical condition so had to delay his plan.
Us ko wohi nazil hoi thi Benazir ko mer den gey, and he was supposed to come here? Were you 100% awake when you posted that? Also, what good would have his presence in Pakistan done, would he have saved Benazir had he been in Pakistan? And for your information, he came back already, and was supposed to goto her burial site, but his dad is in critical condition so had to delay his plan.
Chulo mubarak ho woh wapis aa gaya, .. ab tu chiryaan chuug gayein kheet... wesey bei us ney kia karna tha ... chahey mulk mein ho ya mulk sey bahir...
Us ko wohi nazil hoi thi Benazir ko mer den gey, and he was supposed to come here? Were you 100% awake when you posted that? Also, what good would have his presence in Pakistan done, would he have saved Benazir had he been in Pakistan? And for your information, he came back already, and was supposed to goto her burial site, but his dad is in critical condition so had to delay his plan.
Sorry to say this but the ONLY Level headed Guy in Pakistan Right Now is the one every one here calls THE Dictator............:(
lol those Pakistani politician are the most depressed people on the face of earth....
all they see is chaos....and nothing else....but sadly most of them never commit suicide....and live a whole life of depression....thats really sad but thats the story of their lives.....
truth makes people depress. I doubt it is because of depression that he made that statement. reality is not very different.
Pakistan may well head towards the abyss if Mush doesnt execise some good judgement and wisdom, both of which he seems incapable of.. But here's hoping...
It all comes down to Mushis next move.
when was there this so-called democracy u speak of?
I see so we consider India as a "so called" democracy as well. Theek hai. My trip to India this time has opened my eyes. Now I know how much of the non existing corruption is kept under cover.
What happened to his sisters a few weeks ago by all time dictator, should not surprise you where he has gone. If you would have in his place, where you would have gone? Enlighten us.
