Pakistanis launch motorcade march to protest U.S. drone strikes![]() October 6, 2012 - 11:16 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Hundreds of Pakistanis, joined by dozens of American activists, have launched a motorcade "march" against U.S. drone strikes that they hope will reach the militant-riddled Afghan border region. According to The Associated Press, the main faction of the Pakistani Taliban has denounced the protest, and it is unclear how far the protesters will get. The two-day march — in reality a long vehicle convoy — is being led by Imran Khan, the former cricket star-turned-politician. It began Saturday, Oct 6 morning in Islamabad and is intended to end in South Waziristan tribal region, a frequent target of drone-fired American missiles. The American activists are from the U.S.-based anti-war group CODEPINK. Drone strike opponents allege such attacks kill numerous innocent civilians and terrorize communities. U.S. officials have said the majority of those killed in the strikes are militants. Partner news The bomber set off his explosives outside the gate of the United Nations Development Program base before attackers ran inside. Hamid Karzai accused Washington of mixed messages regarding peace talks with the Taliban, his spokesman said. The deal is estimated at $700mln-$1bln, Vedomosti newspaper reported citing sources in the Russian defense industry. Ahmadinejad will be replaced by Hassan Rowhani as president on August 3 following presidential elections last week. Partner news |