Pakistan's government has locked down Islamabad with tens of thousands of police and barricaded highways to block a nationwide demonstration announced by Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
The PTI, led by Khan, has vowed to proceed with the march despite the security measures. The party is demanding the release of Khan, the former prime minister who has been jailed since 2023 on corruption charges.
The government has issued arrest warrants as part of its effort to prevent the demonstration. The march was announced following growing concerns about Khan's treatment in detention, according to The Guardian.
The scale of the state response reflects deep political divisions in Pakistan. Khan, who served as prime minister from 2018 to 2022, remains a polarizing figure. His supporters view his detention as politically motivated, while the government frames the charges as legitimate legal proceedings.
The PTI has substantial support, particularly among younger voters and urban populations. The planned march signals the party's intent to maintain pressure on the government for Khan's release, even as authorities escalate containment efforts.
No details were provided about when the march was scheduled to take place or how many demonstrators the PTI expected to mobilize. The extent of actual turnout will depend on whether PTI supporters can overcome the security barriers in place.