In a significant escalation of political unrest in Pakistan, nearly 1,000 protesters were arrested in the capital, Islamabad, as part of a large-scale demonstration demanding the release of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The protesters, led by members of Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), gathered in defiance of government-imposed lockdowns and a ban on public gatherings.
Khan, who has been imprisoned since August 2023, faces numerous legal charges that he claims have been fabricated to prevent his return to politics. His supporters argue that these cases are politically motivated and part of a broader effort to block his comeback, particularly ahead of elections that have been marred by allegations of rigging.
On Tuesday, over 10,000 demonstrators marched towards the center of Islamabad, skirmishing with security forces who were deployed in large numbers. Despite a heavy police presence and roadblocks, the crowd continued to push forward, coming within one mile of the designated public square they intended to occupy. The clash resulted in casualties, with at least one police officer and four paramilitary personnel killed. Authorities responded with tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd early Wednesday morning.
Islamabad’s Police Inspector General, Ali Nasir Rizvi, confirmed that 954 individuals were arrested between Sunday and Tuesday. Despite the crackdown, PTI leaders including Imran Khan’s close ally, Ali Amin Gandapur, and his wife, Bushra Bibi, who was released from jail last month, continued to rally their supporters. Gandapur asserted that the movement would only end once Khan was freed.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the protests, calling them “extremism,” while his government pledged to take a firm stand against PTI’s defiance. In response, calls for dialogue have grown louder. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan urged the leaders of the two parties to begin political negotiations to avoid further violence and social instability. “It is high time that they agree on a peaceful way forward,” the Commission said, emphasizing the importance of a reconciliatory approach to prevent prolonged political deadlock.
The protests and the government’s heavy-handed response have sparked widespread criticism, with organizations like Amnesty International accusing law enforcement of using “unlawful and excessive force.” Mobile internet services were cut off in Islamabad, schools remained closed, and roadblocks were set up to prevent the mobilization of more protesters.
The political situation in Pakistan remains tense, with rising anger among Khan’s supporters against the military-backed political establishment, which is perceived to be influencing the outcome of the elections. Khan, a former cricket star who led Pakistan from 2018 to 2022, was ousted in a no-confidence vote. His party, PTI, performed strongly in the elections earlier this year but was sidelined by a coalition of parties seen as more aligned with military interests. This has fueled further resentment and defiance among his supporters, who are determined to continue protesting for Khan’s release and political rehabilitation.
Political analysts have noted that Pakistan’s ongoing political standoff has no clear winners. While the PTI movement faces setbacks, the crackdown has intensified public anger towards the government and the military. As the situation remains volatile, many fear that Pakistan’s political crisis will continue to deepen, further challenging the country’s stability and future governance.
Sources By Agencies
