On Saturday, Pakistan’s capital was heavily fortified as security forces took control amid protests by supporters of imprisoned ex-prime minister Imran Khan. Mobile internet services were suspended as Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party rallied against a government crackdown, following his disqualification from the upcoming February elections due to allegations of election rigging and numerous legal challenges.
PTI activists began their march to Islamabad from Khan’s stronghold in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Friday but faced significant resistance, including shipping container roadblocks and tear gas from security personnel. Small convoys continued to converge on the capital, challenging the government’s authority, which had deployed troops for security ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit scheduled to commence on October 15.
Khan expressed pride in his supporters through a message on social media platform X, praising their “unfaltering resilience” in the face of adversity. Protests were also planned in Lahore; however, the main motorway connecting the city to the capital was obstructed.
Amnesty International condemned the government’s actions, asserting that the communication blackouts and road closures infringe upon citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The government has faced scrutiny since blocking the social media site X and cutting mobile internet on election day, following allegations of widespread vote tampering.
Khan, who served as prime minister from 2018 until his ousting in a no-confidence vote in 2022, has faced a series of legal battles that he claims are politically motivated to prevent his return to power.
