Drones radicalising western Muslims, says Imran Khan

LONDON: Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan has warned America and its western allies that drone attacks on Pakistan are radicalising the western Muslims, creating hatred and animosity.
The former cricket hero was speaking to hundreds of Pakistani students at King’s College London on Monday night.
He said the drone policy adopted by the western countries was senseless and was serving no purpose at home or abroad. He gave example of Faisal Shehzad, who was trialled and convicted in the USA. Khan said when asked by the trial judge, if he knew he could have ended up killing innocent women and children, replied that the USA is doing the same, with their drone attacks.
Khan told students that they should utilise their efforts to help bring change in Pakistan and presented himself as the leader who could make real change.
He criticised Pakistani politicians - including Asif Ali Zardari, Shahbaz Sharif and Altaf Hussain – for spending millions on their security, having barricaded themselves in fortresses from their people, using bullet-proof cars and living an elitist lifestyle.
He said the true leadership is never scared of speaking the truth and commands the respect of people for doing so. “The leaders have the ability to make big decisions and see beyond their selfishness, they are not cowards and don’t fear sacrifices. The current crop status-quo lacks that.”
Answering questions of students, Khan said that the police could control situation in Karachi but their hands were tied due to the “complete politicisation” of the force.
“They (the politicians) have destroyed the police through politicising and today its full of criminals. Political parties in the ruling coalition have militant wings. If we are elected, we will impose governor rule and a new system will be introduced. There is a slavery of fear in the city of 15 million people who are hostage to about 30 thousand mafia criminals. Kidnapping for ransom is the biggest trade in the city,” Khan said.
Khan said his party was introducing democracy at all levels of the party and ordinary members will decide who will lead the party. He told students that he will give more than 25 percent tickets to the youth in next general election and this was a proof enough that his party wanted youth to represent Pakistan.
He said after coming to power, he will bulldoze all the palatial government building reserved for politicians and will turn them into sports complexes and public libraries.
Talking about the forthcoming elections next Spring, he stated that his prediction is that PTI will not win, but it will sweep the elections.
He was also questioned about innocent people in Pakistani prisons and said he sympathised with them, as he himself was imprisoned. He stated that 50-60% of Pakistani inmates are believed to be innocent and said: “When I was in prison, I saw no big criminals, yet when I sat in Assembly I saw plenty of big criminals!”