Islamabad: A Pakistani businessman who says
he was inspired by Indian anti-graft campaigner Anna Hazare
today launched a "fast unto death" to pressure the government
to act against corruption in the country.
Raja Jahangir Akhtar, 68, began his fast at a market in
the heart of Islamabad.
A statement issued by his supporters said he was
demanding that Pakistan`s parliament should pass an
anti-corruption bill.
Akhtar also demanded that political parties should
include in their manifestos a clause to transform Pakistan
from a security state to a welfare state.
The businessman, who owns a shop in Islamabad`s Super
Market and is affiliated with the ruling Pakistan People’s
Party, has campaigned in the past on issues like rent control
in the Pakistani capital.
He recently said that he was hoping his protest will
lead to the introduction of an anti-corruption bill in
Pakistan`s parliament on the lines of the Lok Pal legislation
sought by Hazare.
Akhtar said his protest will also focus on countering
rapid militarisation in South Asia.
PTI
