Ousted Pak PM launches defiant procession

Ousted Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif began a rally yesterday in a defiant show of political power after a Supreme Court decision disqualified him from office late last month over undeclared assets.

Sharif launched the "caravan" from Islamabad to his eastern hometown of Lahore, despite the concerns of close advisers about security for himself and the crowds he is expected to draw.

Thousands of Sharif party supporters thronged the capital to join in the rally, setting up camps along the route he is expected to take and address supporters.

"Nawaz Sharif is still our prime minister," said worker Niaz Ahmad, who wore a lion look-alike costume, and chanted, "Lion, Lion!" referring to the election symbol of Sharif's political party.

Sharif, 67, resigned during his third stint as prime minister after the Supreme Court ruled on July 28 that he should be disqualified. The court also ordered a criminal probe into his family over allegations stemming from the "Panama Papers" leaks of international offshore companies.

Pakistan's new prime minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, a close Sharif ally, said the former leader was alert to security threats.

Sharif was seen off in Islamabad by Abbasi, the new cabinet and other party officials, Sharif's political adviser Asif Kirmani said.

"We really don't know how long it will take, how many days, we have no idea," Kirmani told reporters.

He said a huge number of people were waiting for Sharif along the Grand Trunk Road linking the capital, Islamabad, with Lahore, which is about 380 km (237 miles) distant.

Sharif, in recent meetings with party leaders, lawyers and media, said no corruption charges had been proved.