Pakistan's ex-cricket star-turned-politician Imran Khan, top left, addresses supporters during a peace march in Mianwali, Pakistan, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012. Thousands of Pakistanis joined by a group of U.S. anti-war activists headed toward Pakistan's militant-riddled tribal belt Saturday to protest U.S. drone strikes - even as a Pakistani Taliban faction warned that suicide bombers would stop the demonstration.ISLAMABAD - Local media say thousands of Pakistanis, joined by U.S. anti-war activists, are heading toward Pakistan's militant-riddled tribal region to protest U.S. drone strikes, despite threats of suicide attacks by the Pakistani Taliban.
After an overnight stay, the motorcade led by cricketer turned politician Imran Khan departed for the town of Tank near the tribal belt.
The U.S. says its drone strikes are aimed at militants, but Pakistan charges they violate its sovereignty and kill civilians.
Video on Pakistani media showed barricades with hundreds of police in riot gear. It appeared unlikely the protesters would be allowed to reach South Waziristan for a rally.
In a televised speech, Khan thanked his supporters and the U.S. group, declaring they achieved their goal of sending a message to the world against drone strikes.