Pak Taliban threaten to kill 'infidel' Imran Khan over Waziristan march

Islamabad, Aug 9 (ANI): The Pakistani Taliban has threatened to attack Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan if he executes his planned march to Waziristan to protest against U.S. drone strikes.

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) spokesperson, Ahsanullah Ahsan, had said they would attack Khan because he calls himself a 'liberal'- a term usually reserved by them for a person lacking religious belief, reports The Express Tribune.

Earlier in July, Khan had announced that he was planning to lead thousands of people in a march to Waziristan in September to protest against the strikes.

According to the paper, the threat comes as a surprise, since not only Khan and TTP share their opposition to drone strikes in the region, but the former has demonstrated his religiosity publicly, praying in front of the crowd at his rallies.

Khan too has maintained that he is a liberal and a practicing Muslim. Some of his critics have nicknamed him "Taliban Khan" because of his views and ties with conservative religious parties, who could help him attract right-wing voters in the upcoming general elections.

Ahsan also said the TTP did not require Khan's help in opposing drone attacks.

"We will not accept help or sympathy from any infidel. We can fight on our own with the help of God," said Ahsan, referring to Khan.

Ahsan added that the Taliban considered anyone who participates in elections, even Islamist parties, as infidels and will target them.

"The election process is part of a secular system. We want an Islamic system and will create hurdles to secularism," said Ahsan. (ANI)