Pakistan seals capital as protests grow for Imran Khan release
Protests demanding Imran Khan's release intensified in Pakistan as Section 144 was imposed in the capital, with parliament and highways sealed.
Islamabad (The Uttam Hindu): Large-scale protests have erupted in Pakistan as supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party march towards Islamabad, demanding his release. The march began from Lakki Marwat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on October 4 after the second round of talks between the PTI and government ended without an agreement. Islamabad authorities have imposed Section 144 and tightened security, while containers have been placed on several major roads to restrict protesters from entering the capital.
PTI supporters are covering a distance of around 275 kilometres towards Islamabad. The party claims that nearly 2,000 of its workers and supporters have been arrested ahead of the march, alleging that the government is trying to prevent the protest. Security forces have been deployed around Parliament and major highways. PTI’s key demands include allowing party leaders and supporters to meet Imran Khan and providing him access to a private doctor for his health assessment and treatment.
The PTI had initially announced the Islamabad march for September 27 but postponed it to October 4 following government measures. Imran Khan, 73, has been in prison since 2023 and faces more than 100 cases including corruption and incitement to violence. His health has also remained a concern with the Supreme Court having ordered his examination and treatment at a private hospital in Islamabad. The government later challenged the order. The latest march has increased pressure on the Shahbaz Sharif government with authorities seeking to prevent protesters from entering the capital.