In Pakistan’s capital, thousands have gathered in a large protest demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been detained for over a year on what his party describes as politically motivated charges. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party organized the demonstration in Islamabad, marking its first significant public rally since the controversial national and regional elections held in February.
Videos circulating on social media show PTI supporters traveling from different parts of the country to join the rally, with many participants expressing their determination to see Khan freed. “We won’t rest until Khan is released,” said Hammad Azhar, a close associate of Khan, during the opening address of the event.
Key entry points to Islamabad were blocked by the city administration using shipping containers, while riot police were deployed to maintain order. Footage shared online showed PTI supporters forcefully removing obstacles to gain access to the rally. PTI has accused the authorities of trying to intimidate its supporters and prevent them from attending.
This was the first time since Khan’s arrest that the PTI was granted permission by a court to hold a protest on the outskirts of the capital. Despite this, the route to the venue was made difficult by the authorities’ placement of barricades, according to local reporters.
A spokesperson for Islamabad police stated that protesters threw stones at police officers, injuring several, including a senior official. Riot police responded with tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Khan, who was ousted from office in April 2022, has been imprisoned since August 2023 and faces legal proceedings for allegedly inciting violence in May of the same year when his supporters attacked military facilities. Khan denies the accusations, and many of his convictions have been either suspended or overturned in recent months.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has criticized the government’s ongoing efforts to suppress the PTI, including a proposed ban on the party, describing these actions as damaging to democratic principles. Similarly, a UN panel of rights experts recently declared Khan’s detention to be without legal basis and aimed at disqualifying him from political office.