Imran Khan and his newly-wed wife on Wednesday faced an embarassing situation when grieving parents of the victims of the Peshawar school massacre booed and tried to stop him from entering the school premises, accusing him of politicising the tragedy and being busy with marriage plans.
The protest took place when the Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician along with his new wife Reham Khan arrived at the Army Public School to meet the students.
The protesting parents shouting “Go Imran Go” slogans blocked the way of Mr. Khan’s cavalcade from entering the school premises.
The attack claimed lives of 150 people, including 134 children, who were killed by Taliban militants. The school reopened on Monday after remaining closed for weeks.
The parents were also angry with Mr. Khan for politicising the attack. “Do not pour in politics all over the blood of our children,” said an angry parent.
“Imran came after one month to visit the school because he was busy with his wedding,” said another angry parent.
The crowd also scuffled with the police but did not let Mr. Khan and his wife enter by the main gate.
They were later ushered through a back gate to meet the children.
Extra contingents of police were deployed to control the enraged protesters.
Mr. Khan told the protesting parents that he respects their protest. “I fully understand their grief. They have lost their children. I respect their protest,” Mr. Khan said, adding he came here to encourage the students.
