Anna fan launches 'fast unto death' in Pak

Sep 12, 2011 |

Islamabad

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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 told PTI 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.

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