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.

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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