Hundreds of supporters of Pakistan’s imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan marched towards Islamabad, Pakistan on Monday, defying a citywide lockdown, tear fuel shelling, and widespread arrests. The protesters demand Khan’s launch amid rising political tensions within the nation.
No less than one police officer was killed and 70 others injured throughout clashes with protesters close to Islamabad, in accordance with Punjab province Info Minister Uzma Bokhari. Protesters additionally suffered accidents, with studies of rubber bullets and expired tear fuel shells getting used towards them.
Protesters face obstacles, police resistance
The convoy of demonstrators, primarily from Khan’s stronghold in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, confronted roadblocks, web shutdowns, and heavy safety measures. Delivery containers sealed highways, whereas cellular and messaging companies had been suspended in affected areas. Regardless of these obstacles, protesters eliminated obstacles utilizing heavy equipment and continued towards the capital.
PTI chief Kamran Bangash said that the march would overcome all hurdles, accusing authorities of suppressing a peaceable protest. In the meantime, Bishra Bibi, Khan’s spouse and a key determine within the motion, vowed to proceed till Khan is launched.
Political and financial tensions rise
Khan, imprisoned since August 2023, faces over 150 felony instances, which his celebration, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), claims are politically motivated. The protests coincide with a state go to by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, prompting authorities accusations that the march seeks to disrupt Pakistan’s financial system and worldwide relations.
Authorities officers, together with Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal, maintained that Khan’s launch is determined by courtroom selections and dismissed the protests as an try to bypass authorized proceedings.
Political analysts counsel the march is Khan’s last bid to barter with the army institution and keep away from potential trials in army courts. Nevertheless, the Sharif-led coalition authorities and army management seem unwilling to concede.
(With inputs from The Guardian, PTI, Al Jazeera)
