Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, was placed under a heavy security lockdown on Sunday as supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan prepared to stage protests calling for his release. The Pakistani Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by Khan’s allies, planned to gather near the parliament building to demand the former prime minister’s freedom, alongside other PTI leaders.
In response to the anticipated protests, authorities blocked key highways leading to Islamabad, with police and paramilitary forces deployed in riot gear. Major roads were closed off using shipping containers, and mobile phone services were suspended in the capital. The Islamabad police issued a statement banning all public gatherings under legal provisions.
Global internet watchdog NetBlocks reported that WhatsApp services had also been restricted in the city ahead of the demonstrations. One of Khan’s close allies, Ali Amin Gandapur, who is the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, urged his supporters to gather at the entrance of the city’s red zone, an area that houses key government institutions, embassies, and the parliament building.
Khan’s supporters are demanding the release of political prisoners, including the former prime minister, as well as the resignation of the current government, which they accuse of orchestrating a fraudulent election earlier this year. Since being ousted in 2022 and jailed in August, Khan has faced multiple charges ranging from corruption to inciting violence, all of which he and his party deny.
The last PTI protest in Islamabad in early October turned violent, resulting in the death of a police officer, injuries to several security personnel, and numerous arrests. Both the PTI and security forces blamed each other for instigating the clashes, raising concerns over potential violence during this protest.
Amidst the growing unrest, some Islamabad residents expressed concerns about the ongoing protests, with one local, Muhammad Asif, noting that the political instability was damaging the country’s economy and urging for dialogue to resolve the crisis.
