Pakistani authorities have detained over 4,000 supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan as Islamabad enforces a strict lockdown ahead of a massive rally demanding his release and the resignation of the current government. Shahid Nawaz, a security official in Punjab, confirmed the arrests, which include five parliament members. The ongoing PTI protest is intensifying tensions in the region, drawing national and international attention.
Heightened Security Measures in Islamabad
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that further arrests would occur if protesters entered Islamabad’s Red Zone, fortified with shipping containers to secure government buildings. He criticized Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party for disrupting public life and businesses. The government’s handling of the Protest has sparked criticism for suppressing dissent and freedom of expression.
PTI Protest Gains Momentum
Hundreds of Khan’s supporters, traveling in convoys, continue to advance toward Islamabad. Videos on social media show PTI members urging crowds to march forward. In Peshawar, a festive atmosphere prevailed, with supporters drumming, dancing, and holding pictures of Khan. The PTI protest has mobilized the party’s base, amplifying demands for Khan’s release and political justice.
Bushra Bibi, Khan’s wife, and Ali Amin Gandapur, a key PTI leader, are leading a rally that reached Islamabad’s outskirts on Sunday night. Part of Khan’s “final call” campaign, the protest reflects growing public dissatisfaction with the current government’s policies and leadership.
Communication Blackouts Amid Protests
The government has suspended mobile data services in sensitive areas, while mobile phone services remain active, according to Naqvi. Advocacy groups report increased restrictions on social media and VPN use, aimed at disrupting PTI’s digital organizing. These restrictions are adding to the challenges faced by participants in the PTI protest, who heavily rely on online platforms for communication and coordination.
Imran Khan’s Legal and Political Challenges
Khan has been imprisoned for over a year and faces more than 150 criminal cases, which his party claims are politically motivated. Despite these hurdles, Khan’s popularity remains strong among his supporters, who view the PTI protest as a vital effort to challenge the political establishment and demand justice.
Growing Tensions Between PTI and the Government
Islamabad has been under heavy security since Saturday, with major roads connecting the city to PTI strongholds in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa blocked. The U.S. Embassy has issued a security alert for its citizens, citing concerns over potential violence during the ongoing protest.
Imran Khan, ousted from office in 2022 after a fallout with Pakistan’s military, continues to face opposition from the establishment. The military, which wields significant influence over Pakistan’s politics, plays a pivotal role in shaping the country’s leadership. The PTI protest highlights the deepening divide between Khan’s supporters and the ruling government, intensifying the political crisis in Pakistan.
