Pakistan locks down Islamabad as Imran Khan's party vows march on capital
Authorities deployed tens of thousands of police and barricaded roads as Imran Khan's PTI party pressed ahead with plans for a march demanding the former prime minister's release.
Pakistani authorities have locked down Islamabad, deploying tens of thousands of police and barricading roads, as leaders from former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party vowed to proceed with a nationwide demonstration demanding his release.
The government also issued arrest warrants in an effort to stop the planned march by Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, which is due to take place over the weekend.
Mounting pressure over Khan's imprisonment
The march was announced amid mounting concerns over the treatment of Khan, who has been in jail since 2023 on corruption charges. PTI leaders have pressed ahead with the demonstration despite the extensive security measures taken by the state to prevent it from reaching the capital.
The scale of the security deployment, including barricaded highways and a heavy police presence, reflects the government's determination to prevent the march from proceeding as planned. PTI has framed the demonstration as a demand for Khan's release.
The standoff between the government and PTI over the planned march underscores the continuing political tensions surrounding Khan's imprisonment and his party's efforts to keep the issue in the national spotlight.
Sources
- Pakistan locks down Islamabad as Imran Khan’s party vows to march on capital — The Guardian — World
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
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