Imran Khan leads 100,000 rally against Pakistan's US alliance

Cricket legend and opposition politician Imran Khan railed against the government and its alliance with the U.S. before more than 100,000 flag-waving supporters on Sunday, establishing himself as a force in Pakistani politics.

Khan, 58, entered politics 15 years ago when he founded Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, or the Movement for Justice Party, but up to now he has struggled to translate his fame into votes. The rally in the eastern city of Lahore indicated his message may have found new resonance at a time when Pakistanis are fed up with the country's chronic insecurity and economic malaise.

"I have come here to register my hatred against this corrupt system," said 29-year-old Nadeem Iqbal, who attended the rally.

A poll conducted by the U.S.-based Pew Research Center in June found Khan, the captain of Pakistan's 1992 world champion cricket team, to be the most popular political figure in the country. Khan's rising popularity could be a concern for the U.S., given his harsh criticism of the Pakistani government's co-operation with Washington in the fight against Islamist militants.

Jason Ditz: Massive Rally in Lahore: Imran Khan Leads Calls for Pakistan to End US Alliance