Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, remains under a heavy security lockdown as authorities crack down on supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who are demanding his release and the resignation of the current government, with thousands of Khan’s followers detained ahead of a planned major rally, Al Jazeera reports.
Police in eastern Punjab province have confirmed the arrest of over 4,000 Khan supporters, including five parliamentarians, according to Shahid Nawaz, a security officer. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warned that further arrests will be made if protesters attempt to breach the security cordon surrounding Islamabad’s Red Zone, which houses government buildings.
Naqvi justified the security measures, blaming Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party for disrupting daily life and businesses. He denied a complete shutdown of mobile phone services, claiming only mobile data had been affected, though telecom companies are offering alternative landline services. This contradicts reports of widespread service disruptions.
Despite the restrictions, hundreds of Khan’s supporters began marching towards Islamabad on Monday, reaching the city’s outskirts. Videos circulating on social media showed rallies and convoys of cars heading towards the capital. In Peshawar, PTI supporters celebrated and prepared for the journey to Islamabad.
A significant rally led by Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, and key aide Ali Amin Gandapur, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, arrived at the outskirts of Islamabad on Sunday night.
Khan, imprisoned for over a year and facing more than 150 criminal charges, remains a popular figure. His party vehemently denies the charges, calling them politically motivated.
Authorities have sealed off Islamabad since Saturday, using shipping containers to block major roads and highways leading from PTI strongholds in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. The planned protest, described by Khan as a “final call,” is the latest in a series of demonstrations demanding his release. Previous protests in October turned violent.
The government’s restrictions extend to social media, with internet advocacy group Netblocks reporting social media bans and targeting of VPN services. The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad has issued a security alert for American citizens, advising them to avoid large gatherings due to the potential for violence.
Khan’s removal from power in 2022 following a parliamentary vote, fueled by a falling out with the powerful Pakistani military, which holds significant sway over the nation’s politics, continues to be a source of tension and unrest.
