Islamabad is under lockdown as a large-scale demonstration is underway, with protestors converging from across Pakistan.
Supporters of ousted Prime Minister Imran Khan have mobilized nationwide, converging on Islamabad to demand his release from prison. Khan’s removal from office in April 2022, via Pakistan’s first no-confidence vote, was reportedly due to perceived pro-Russia sentiments. Subsequently, he’s faced a series of shifting charges, which he dismisses as politically motivated. His Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has answered his call to assemble in the capital.
“This is an extraordinary situation. Our people yearn for a Pakistan governed by justice and the rule of law, where the state serves its citizens, not the elite. This is Imran Khan’s promise. Therefore, the release of Imran Khan, our only hope, is our ultimate demand,” the PTI stated on Monday.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration has labeled Khan’s actions a “premeditated conspiracy,” vowing to arrest any protestors attempting to enter the capital. Islamabad’s “red zone,” encompassing parliamentary and government buildings, is “completely sealed” with shipping container barricades, according to Monday’s Guardian report.
Authorities have implemented roadblocks across Pakistan and deployed tens of thousands of police and paramilitary forces to prevent PTI convoys from reaching the capital. Mobile internet and messaging services, including WhatsApp, have been suspended in Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
حسن ابدال قیام و تمام کے مناظر
— Azhar Mashwani (official) (@AzharMashwaniPk)
Over 70,000 individuals marched on Islamabad from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone, according to PTI spokesperson Shaikh Waqas Akram, aiming to encircle the capital on three sides.
“Police in Punjab and elsewhere have used rubber bullets, expired shells, and stun grenades against us. They are attempting to suppress a peaceful protest advocating for Khan’s release,” Akram informed reporters. He added that the PTI was prepared, deploying vehicles equipped with fans to counteract tear gas.
“We will not end this march until Imran is with us,” declared Khan’s wife, Bishra Bibi, in a Monday address, pledging to “remain here until my last breath.” Bibi was recently released from prison after the government’s case against her and Khan, alleging violation of Islamic law through their marriage, was dismissed on appeal.
Ahsan Iqbal, secretary-general of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), accused Khan of attempting to circumvent the courts through street protests.
“He must clear his name in the cases filed against him. Otherwise, the government cannot release him,” stated Iqbal, also serving as Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives in Sharif’s government.
نارتھ پنجاب نکل آیا
تیمور ملک کی قیادت میں عظیم الشان قافلہ رواں دواں
— PTI (@PTIofficial)
Khan initially faced anti-terrorism charges, followed by corruption accusations, allegations of improperly receiving foreign gifts, charges of revealing state secrets, and finally, accusations of violating Islamic law concerning his marriage. New accusations emerged with each previous conviction overturned on appeal. The most recent claim alleges Khan incited violence among his supporters during a September protest. He is currently detained in Adiala jail, Rawalpindi.
The PTI asserts victory in the February elections but alleges Sharif and the military manipulated the results to retain power. They demand Khan’s and other political prisoners’ release and the holding of free and fair elections.