A crowd of thousands gathered at the Minar-e-Pakistan where Resolution for Pakistan was passed on March 23,1940, to hear Tehreek-e-Insaf party chief, Imran, who gave a clarion call for the change in government and the system of governance through a catchy slogan “Agenda for Change.”
Imran called for a revolution to overthrow the corrupt and wrong doers and to replace them with dedicated people committed to save the country.
He said, “In 1940 at the same venue we passed Pakistan Resolution today we have gathered here to save Pakistan from thieves, plunderers and corrupt politicians.” “Once for all get rid of corrupt politicians,” he said.
Imran blasted Zardari and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for corruption and asked people to learn lessons from Arab spring.
“We will revolutionize Pakistan,” Imran said adding, “It will be a people's revolution.”
“It's time for change.” He said adding,”No more Sharifs and Zardaris will be tolerated.” “We will build a new Pakistan.” Corruption free and independent Pakistan. Pakistan of Quaid-e-Azam, Pakistan of Allama Iqbal.
The former cricketer promised to establish an Islamic welfare state in Pakistan on the basis of teachings of the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).
Dancing to a drumbeat and waving the party's red and green flags, supporters of Tehreek-e-Insaf party filled the sprawling Minar-e-Pakistan ground which was ringed with tight security.
“Who will save Pakistan? Imran Khan, Imran Khan,” the crowd chanted.
Around 50,000 people had gathered, according to witnesses.
Imran's party slogan is “throw this government out and save the country,” in a campaign aimed at the ruling coalition led by Zardari and the party of Nawaz Sharif.
Imran, who guided Pakistan a World Cup win 1992, brims with confidence that he can solve Pakistan's myriad and devastating problems.
But his party has no seats in Parliament and it is criticized for lacking grassroots support and the infrastructure needed to win an election.
The rally, seen as a show of strength, comes two days after Sharif's brother Shahbaz, attracted some 30,000 people at an anti-Zardari protest also in the key political battleground of Lahore.
Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) held a rally on Friday to demand early elections in its political heartland — it controls the Punjab provincial government despite being in opposition at national level.
Party faithful denounced corruption and widespread power cuts, calling on the 56-year-old president, dubbed “Mr. Ten Percent” over graft allegations, to step down before the government's five-year mandate expires in 2013.
The venue for Imran’s public meeting was bedecked with banners and hoardings showing portraits of the former cricketer and the founder of the nation Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
