Zeenews Bureau
Peshawar: The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Thursday denied media reports that the group had threatened to kill cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan.
According to reports, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan’s
decision to hold a march to Taliban’s tribal stronghold along the Afghan border to protest US drone attacks has irked Taliban.
A news agency had reported that although the Pakistani Taliban also oppose the strikes, which have killed many of their fighters, spokesman Ahsanullah Ahsan said they would target Imran Khan because he calls himself a "liberal" - a term they associate with a lack of religious belief. He also warned they would attack anyone who participates in upcoming elections.
"If he comes, our suicide bombers will target him," Ahsan told a news agency in an interview on Monday in the militant group's stronghold of South Waziristan. "We will kill him."
Ahsan, however, today said that he was misquoted in the interview.
He claimed that he said that the TTP Shura would decide on the course of action if Imran Khan visits Waziristan.
In the interview, Ahsan had said the militants didn't want Khan's help in opposing drone attacks. Khan has said he is planning to lead thousands of people in a march to Waziristan in September to demonstrate against the strikes.
"We will not accept help or sympathy from any infidel," said Ahsan, referring to Khan. "We can fight on our own with the help of God," he said, as drones buzzed overhead.
(With Agency inputs)
First Published: Thursday, August 09, 2012, 14:19