Islamabad remains under lockdown for a second day as thousands of protesters gather in the capital, demanding the release of former prime minister Imran Khan from prison. His supporters are also calling for the reversal of election results, which they claim were rigged—allegations the government vehemently denies.
Khan, who has been incarcerated for over a year on various charges, remains a popular figure in Pakistani politics despite his legal troubles. His supporters have staged protests for months, and the latest demonstration follows Khan’s “final call” to rally in Islamabad until his release is secured. The protesters are also rallying against the results of the most recent general elections, which they allege were manipulated in favor of the ruling parties, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
The protest has led to clashes between demonstrators and police, with the authorities taking strict measures to maintain order. Police have blocked streets with shipping containers and suspended some internet services, while schools and colleges in the capital have been closed due to concerns over potential violence. According to police reports, 139 people have been arrested and 14 officers injured in the confrontations. Khan’s supporters claim they have been repeatedly met with tear gas by the police.
Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, who was sentenced alongside her husband in January but released on bail in October, is one of the key leaders of the protest. She addressed the crowd on Monday, pledging to continue the march until her husband is freed. “Until Khan comes to us, we will not end this march,” she told supporters. “I will stand till my last breath and you have to support me. This is not just about my husband but about this country and its leader.”
Imran Khan was ousted from power in 2022 following a vote of no confidence in parliament. His removal came amid tensions with the country’s powerful military, which Khan denies having any role in. Since then, he has faced a series of charges, including corruption, instigating violence, and allegedly marrying Bushra Bibi unlawfully.
Despite his year-long imprisonment, Khan remains a dominant figure in Pakistan’s opposition politics. In the February general elections, his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was banned from standing. However, independent candidates backed by PTI won the most seats in parliament, though not enough to form a government. Khan has since accused the PML-N and PPP of stealing the election, but the government denies any allegations of election fraud.
