Imran Khan calls for Civil Disobedience in Pakistan

In a radical move that may have wider political repercussions, cricketer turned politician, Imran Khan, has called for mass civil disobedience in Pakistan and has asked people not to pay taxes and utility bills in a bid to pressurize Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to step down.

In a speech in Islamabad, Imran warned that after two days he would not be able to prevent his supporters from raiding the Prime Minister's house in the Red Zone, which also houses the Parliament, Supreme court and other important offices, The Wall Street Journal reports. Khan said that no taxes, including sales tax, and electricity bills should be paid to a "fraudulent" government.

"We have to decide what to do with Nawaz Sharif, because he evades all laws, and he rigs the elections," Khan said. "We can't let this unjust regime continue."

At least 10,000 people assembled to hear Khan's speech, according to the interior ministry. The  local media estimated the figure to be nearer 20,000.

Muslim cleric Tahir ul Qadri, also led a similar protest to the capital city, which was attended by thousands calling for a "revolution."

Khan's speech evoked strong reactions from the government with Information minister , Pervez Rashid telling television station Geo that the government would not allow protesters to swarm government offices, according to Reuters.

"If they go to the Red Zone, will the world see it?" Rashid asked. "This is our internal issue, but if they go into the Red Zone, the issue will be heard in capitals across the world via their embassies. And there will be alarm bells in the capitals, signalling that Pakistan has turned into an insecure country.