Supporters of Imran Khan March Toward Islamabad Demanding His Release
The march challenges the government as political deadlock continues across Pakistan over the prolonged imprisonment of the former prime minister.
Thousands of supporters of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan began marching toward Islamabad to demand his release from prison. The demonstrators traveled in convoys along major transit routes as security forces blocked key access points into the capital.
The march directly confronts the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Khan's political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, organized the demonstration to press for his freedom and to protest alleged political repression. Leaders of the party said their supporters intend to hold a sit-in demonstration in the capital until their demands receive attention.
To halt the demonstrators, authorities deployed thousands of police officers and paramilitary troops. Workers stacked shipping containers across highways, including the Grand Trunk Road, to cut off access between Islamabad and neighboring provinces. Transport authorities also halted bus services and suspended mobile internet access in sensitive locations.
Khan was removed from power through a parliamentary no-confidence vote in 2022 after losing support from the military establishment. Authorities arrested him in August 2023 following a conviction in a graft case. Khan faces more than 150 separate charges, including corruption, terrorism and instigating violence.
Khan denies all allegations, and his party maintains the legal actions are politically motivated efforts to prevent him from returning to power. The government denies those accusations and states that Khan is receiving due process under standard legal procedures.
The convoy from the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is advancing toward Islamabad, with party organizers directing participants to clear road obstacles. Interior Ministry officials said security forces have instructions to enforce restrictions on unauthorized public gatherings and prevent demonstrators from reaching government buildings.
