By CricketCountry Staff
Pakistan cricket star turned politician Imran Khan has received death threat from the Taliban if the former cricketer holds a planned march to the tribal areas along the Afghanistan border to protest the U.S. Drone attacks.
Published: Aug 09, 2012, 12:11 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 09, 2012, 12:11 PM (IST)
The Taliban reportedly are unhappy with Imran Khan’s liberal views © Getty Images
By CricketCountry Staff
Islamabad: Aug 9, 2012
Pakistan cricket star turned politician Imran Khan has received death threat from the Taliban if the former cricketer holds a planned march to the tribal areas along the Afghanistan border to protest the U.S. Drone attacks.
The Pakistani Taliban, albeit oppose the attacks on the Pakistani soil, are unhappy with Imran’s liberal views, which according to them, is devoid of religious belief.
According to a report in Deccan Chronicle, Taliban spokesman Ahsanullah Ahsan warned they would attack Imran or anyone who participates in upcoming elections.
“If he comes, our suicide bombers will target him,” Ahsan said. “We will kill him.”
The threat is seen to be a surprise as the Pakistan cricket legend has been a strong critic of the Paksitani government for their mishandling of the Taliban issue and also their association with the US Government.
The former Pakistan captain has also been often referred to as ‘Taliban Khan’ by many in Pakistan due to his ties with conservative Islamists.
The captain of the 1992 World Cup-winning Pakistan team, Imran formed the Pakistan Movement for Justice party after retirement from cricket. Playing a major role in Pakistani politics, Imran and his party have frequently voiced their opinion on critical issues like opposing the Drone attacks by the US, India-Pakistan relations.
