Islamabad on Edge: March for Imran Khan Sparks Uproar

Supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan made their presence felt near Islamabad’s borders on Monday, calling for his immediate release from prison. The march, organized by Khan’s political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been met with heavy security measures across the capital and surrounding areas. Reports of unrest and confrontations in various regions have added to the already tense atmosphere.

Intensified Security and Road Closures

Over the last two days, the government has implemented stringent measures to block the protesters from reaching the city centre. Major highways and roads leading to Islamabad have been sealed with shipping containers, while law enforcement agencies patrol the streets equipped with riot gear. Public transport in Punjab, Pakistan’s largest province, has also been suspended, creating additional challenges for demonstrators attempting to join the march.

Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari stated, “We will not allow them to storm the capital.” Officials confirmed the arrest of around 80 PTI members amid the demonstrations. In addition, clashes in certain areas have left several police officers injured.

Disruption to Everyday Life

The protests have caused significant disruption to daily activities in Islamabad and the neighbouring city of Rawalpindi. Schools across the area have been closed for safety reasons, while internet services, including WhatsApp, have experienced reduced speeds. Authorities have also imposed a ban on all forms of public gatherings in Islamabad to prevent further escalation.

Adding to the heightened security measures is the visit of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, scheduled to arrive in the capital. This diplomatic visit has prompted additional layers of security, further complicating the city’s lockdown.

Claims of Excessive Use of Force

Imran Khan’s party has accused the government of employing harsh and excessive tactics to suppress the demonstrations. Shaukat Yousafzai, a senior PTI leader, alleged that security forces have even resorted to using live ammunition against protesters. “Hundreds of our leaders and workers have been unlawfully detained,” Yousafzai claimed during a televised interview.

The march, referred to by Khan as the “final call,” is part of a series of protests that PTI has organized since his arrest in August last year. Previous protests, including one in October, turned violent, further intensifying the standoff between Khan’s supporters and the government.

Leadership of the Rally

Leading the rally are Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife, and Ali Amin Gandapur, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The procession reached the outskirts of Islamabad late Sunday evening, with participants expressing their commitment to securing Khan’s freedom.

Khan was removed from office in 2022 following a no-confidence vote in parliament, attributed to a fallout with Pakistan’s powerful military establishment. Since his ousting, he has faced numerous legal charges, including corruption and incitement of violence, which both he and his party strongly deny.

The Military’s Role in Pakistan’s Politics

The ongoing political crisis highlights the significant influence of Pakistan’s military in shaping the country’s leadership. Often regarded as the ultimate power broker, the military has historically played a decisive role in determining who governs the nation.

As protesters continue to rally near Islamabad, the situation remains unpredictable. With tensions escalating and the government showing no signs of backing down, the coming days will likely be pivotal in defining Pakistan’s political trajectory.

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