Janice R. Andrews
Thousands Protest in Islamabad for Imran Khan’s Freedom
Islamabad is on high alert as thousands of supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan defy government lockdowns and mass arrests to demand his release. Despite the restrictions, hundreds have already gathered on the outskirts of the capital, according to party officials, as tensions continue to rise.
This protest, described by Khan as the “final call,” is one of many his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has staged since his imprisonment in August 2023.
In a bid to prevent the rally, authorities imposed a security lockdown, closing highways, banning gatherings, and blocking mobile and internet services in certain areas. The Interior Ministry has not clarified how long these measures will remain in effect.
Officials in Punjab have ramped up enforcement, with Information Minister Uzma Bukhari reporting that 80% of the protesters have been arrested. Local police confirmed that 4,000 PTI supporters, including five members of parliament, have been detained.
“We will not allow them to storm the capital,” a police spokesperson said.
The PTI has accused the government of using violence to suppress the protests, claiming that hundreds of their supporters have been unlawfully detained. This protest follows a similar one in October, which turned violent.
Khan’s removal from office in 2022, following a parliamentary vote and growing tensions with Pakistan’s military, led to a series of legal charges against him. Khan faces allegations ranging from corruption to inciting violence, which he and his party insist are politically motivated.
The current unrest coincides with the arrival of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, further tightening security in the capital. The government’s handling of the protests and the growing arrests highlight the increasing political divides and unrest in Pakistan.
