(22 Nov 2007)
Lahore – 21 November 2007
1. Various of celebrations outside family home of released opposition leader Imran Khan
Dera Ghazi Khan – 21 November 2007
2. SOUNDBITE: (Urdu) Imran Khan, Pakistani opposition leader:
“On this occasion I suggest all political parties should boycott the upcoming elections, especially those parties that believe in democracy in Pakistan. These elections are going to be the biggest fraud in the history of Pakistan. Musharraf has done what no dictator in the history of Pakistan has ever done. He has crossed all limits.”
3. Pan right of journalist
4. SOUNDBITE: (Urdu) Imran Khan, Pakistani opposition leader:
“I don’t know why they released me. If they think they have managed to scare me by arresting me, they are wrong. I will oppose him more strongly this time. I do not accept Musharraf’s office or his position. I think he is the biggest traitor.”
5. Pan left of party supporters
6. Khan leaving
STORYLINE:
A day after being released from prison Imran Khan, one of Pakistan’s opposition figures, urged all political parties to boycott any elections organised by President Gen. Perves Musharraf in a bid to oust him from power.
“I suggest all political parties should boycott the upcoming elections, especially those parties that believe in democracy in Pakistan. These elections are going to be the biggest fraud in the history of Pakistan,” Khan said.
Musharraf has said he expects to step down as military leader by the end of the month, and insists elections scheduled for January will be held on time.
But he says he will not bow to international pressure to lift the state of emergency imposed three weeks ago in
response to what he said was a growing threat from Islamic militants.
On Wednesday Law Minister Afzal Hayder announced on state television that the government had released 5,634 lawyers and political party members. He said 623 people remained in custody, but that they would be let go soon.
“I don’t know why they released me. If they think they have managed to scare me by arresting me, they are wrong,” he said.
“I will oppose him more strongly this time. I do not accept Musharraf’s office or his position. I think he is the biggest traitor,” he added.
Khan, a former cricket star who has become a firebrand in the opposition to Musharraf’s rule, also said he would continue a hunger strike begun in custody.
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