In brief
The streets of Pakistan saw thousands of Imran Khan's supporters rallying against a government lockdown, facing heavy police resistance. Amid allegations of politically motivated charges against Khan, calls for fresh elections echoed through the capital.
Thousands of supporters of Imran Khan, the incarcerated former Prime Minister of Pakistan, took to the streets in defiance of a government-imposed lockdown on Monday evening, marching toward Islamabad to demand his release. This demonstration marks one of the highest points of political tension in recent months, facilitated by the protesters’ removal of shipping containers erected by authorities to obstruct their progress.According to government reports, violence erupted during the protests, resulting in at least one police officer's death along with injuries sustained by both law enforcement and demonstrators. Despite being jailed since August 2023 and facing over 150 criminal charges—many of which are viewed by his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), as unsubstantiated and politically motivated—Khan's popularity appears unshaken.Khan has long accused the military-backed civilian administration of attempting to undermine his political power, rigging elections, and disturbing the democratic process in Pakistan. While the government argues that the charges against him are valid and necessary to maintain order, Khan and his supporters frame the protests as a fight against tyranny.On Sunday, Khan called upon his supporters to gather in the capital, advocating for not only his release but for new elections and reinstating judicial powers that have recently been curtailed. Leading the march from Peshawar were Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, along with key ally Ali Amin Gandapur, emphasizing the serious commitment of PTI's supporters to their cause. The marchers faced fierce opposition with the police resorting to tear gas, primarily in the Attock district, approximately 50 miles from Islamabad. As the confrontation escalated, the government confirmed the death of a police official amidst the unrest.
