Pakistani cricket star turned politician Imran Khan and a convoy of vehicles on Sunday began the second day of their journey to Pakistan's militant-riddled South Waziristan tribal district to protest U.S. drone strikes on tribal areas.

Khan and supporters of his Movement for Justice party, along with local and Western peace activists, began the drive Saturday in Islamabad.

The so-called motorcade march against the drone attacks left the capital with less than 200 cars. The number of cars swelled to 500 by the time the convoy reached Mianwali, Khan's hometown.

Khan has dismissed concerns that the convoy could be attacked by the Taliban and other Islamist militants. However, VOA's Ayaz Gul says Khan is riding in an armored vehicle and guards do not allow easy access to him.

Drone strikes are a contentious issue between the U.S. and Pakistan. Islamabad says the strikes violate its sovereignty. The U.S. believes they are a key tool in the effort to defeat the Taliban.