A major Pakistani opposition party launched a march on February 27 aimed at toppling the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Thousands of supporters of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) gathered in the port city of Karachi and vowed to stand their ground till the government is ousted.
PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, whose party governs Sindh Province, said Khan’s government has ruined the country’s economy, usurped resources of federating units, and made the lives of citizens miserable.
“The time has come to send this illegitimate and incompetent government home,” Zardari said.
Khan, whose five-year term will end in August 2023, came to power in an election tainted by allegations of support by the country's powerful military.
The opposition alleges that Khan was “selected” by the generals, who have ruled the country for almost half of its existence.
Khan's governing Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaaf (PTI) party denies the allegations.
“Khan will complete his term,” Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed told reporters.
The PPP’s march is expected to reach the capital in 10 days after traveling through 34 cities and towns of the country.
The Pakistan Democratic Movement, a multiparty opposition alliance, announced a new round of anti-government rallies starting on March 23.
Khan’s party has a razor-thin majority in the parliament but survived a previous confidence vote.
