PakistanImran Khan Supporters March
Thousands of supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan have set off on a protest march from northwest Pakistan towards Islamabad after talks with the government failed. The march is the latest attempt to pressure the government into releasing Khan.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
Supporters of Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party began the march on Sunday, with more than 5,000 people reported to have joined the rally. The march was originally scheduled for September 27 but was postponed to allow talks between the government and the PTI leadership.
Two rounds of talks over the weekend failed to break the deadlock, and the PTI decided to carry out its plan. The march will make its way to Khairabad, 80 kilometres west of Islamabad, by Thursday, where the plan for the next phase will be announced.
The government has been preparing for weeks for the arrival of PTI demonstrators in Islamabad, erecting barriers using shipping containers to block main access routes to the capital. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the government would not allow the PTI to create a disturbance.
Naqvi accused Sohail Afridi, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, of sabotaging the negotiations. He cited an Islamabad High Court order from September 14, ruling that no political party or its leadership has the lawful right to occupy public roads, highways, interchanges, toll plazas and buildings in Islamabad.
The PTI says the convictions against Khan are politically motivated. All but one of the convictions against the former PM have since been suspended or overturned on appeal. Khan has been behind bars since August 2023.
The march is the latest attempt to pressure the government into releasing Khan, who is the country's most popular political figure according to polls. The government has said it will pursue PTI workers and politicians who violate the court order.
Sohail Afridi had earlier posted on social media that the demonstration in support of Khan would go ahead. Videos posted on the PTI's official social media showed supporters joining the march in different areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Key facts
- More than 5,000 supporters of Imran Khan have begun a protest march from northwest Pakistan.
- The march is the latest attempt to pressure the government into releasing Khan.
- The government has erected barriers using shipping containers to block main access routes to Islamabad.
- All but one of the convictions against Khan have been suspended or overturned on appeal.
Three perspectives
Neutral
The situation in Pakistan remains tense as the march approaches Islamabad. The government has said it will take action against anyone who violates the court order. The PTI says it will continue to push for Khan's release.
Positive
The march shows the strong support for Imran Khan and his party. The PTI says it is committed to peaceful protest and will not engage in any violent activity. The party is pushing for Khan's release and an end to what it sees as politically motivated convictions.
Negative
The government has accused the PTI of trying to create a disturbance and has said it will take action against anyone who violates the court order. The march has raised concerns about the potential for violence and disruption in Islamabad. The government says it will not allow the PTI to occupy public roads and buildings.
Your week in news, every Wednesday
The biggest stories of the week for your edition, in your inbox every Wednesday morning, your time. Free, and you can unsubscribe at any time.