Protests erupt in Pakistan as Imran Khan supporters take to the streets

Supporters of Pakistan’s imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan have launched a protest march from the country’s northwest after talks with the government over ending the demonstration failed to produce an agreement.

TodayPress TV reports that more than 5,000 people are said to have participated in the march held on Sunday.

The march, organized by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party led by Imran Khan, was initially scheduled for September 27. However, the protest was postponed until October 4 to allow talks between the government and PTI leadership to take place.

No agreement was reached between the parties during two rounds of talks held over the weekend. Following this, PTI decided to proceed with the march.

This is one of the latest demonstrations aimed at pressuring the government to release Imran Khan. According to polls, Imran Khan, who is considered the country’s most popular political figure, has been imprisoned since August 2023. He has been convicted in several criminal cases. His party, however, says the charges are politically motivated.

It is reported that, with the exception of one conviction against the former prime minister, all the others have been suspended or overturned by appellate courts.

Videos shared on PTI’s official social media accounts show supporters from various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the province governed by the party, joining the march and traveling in convoys.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had earlier announced on social media that a march in support of Imran Khan would be held.

According to him, the march is expected to reach Khyber, located 80 kilometers west of Islamabad, by Thursday. A plan for the “next stage” of the protest will then be announced.

The Pakistani government has been preparing for weeks for a PTI supporters’ march toward Islamabad.

Barricades have been erected using cargo containers to block the main roads leading into the capital.

Giymat Mahir