In brief
Supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan took to the streets, defying lockdowns and police violence, to demand his release and call for fresh elections.
Thousands of fervent supporters of Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, defied a government-imposed lockdown to rally for his release on Monday. They marched toward Islamabad, overcoming barriers set by authorities and facing violent clashes. The protests come as political tensions in the country continue to rise, with reports of injuries on both sides and the tragic death of an officer. Khan, imprisoned since August 2023 and facing over 150 criminal cases, still enjoys significant support which the military-backed government has attempted to suppress. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), claims the charges against him are politically motivated. The government maintains that Khan is inciting unrest and insists that the judicial proceedings against him are valid.In a call to action on Sunday, Khan encouraged his followers to assemble in the capital, pushing for his release and urging for new elections. Led by his wife, Bushra Bibi, along with key aide Ali Amin Gandapur, thousands set off from Peshawar, confronting riot police deploying tear gas and removing shipping containers along their path. The tension reflects the ongoing struggle for power and democracy in Pakistan amidst a stifling security crackdown.
