In brief
A wave of supporters gathered in Lakki Marwat to march toward Islamabad, calling for the release of former prime minister Imran Khan. The protest is sparked by growing concerns over Khan’s health and allegations that his detention is politically motivated. While Khan remains incarcerated on more than 100 corruption charges, his family claims he has suffered severe vision loss in the right eye. The march was postponed after talks between the government and Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf party failed to reach a resolution. Authorities in Islamabad have fortified key routes with shipping containers, while Khan’s supporters urge a nationwide political mobilization.
About five thousand supporters of ex‑prime minister Imran Khan gathered in Lakki Marwat on Sunday, carrying red‑green banners of the Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf party and marching toward the capital. The protest is a response to Khan’s prolonged detention and reported health decline, with family members alleging he has lost most of his vision in the right eye.
Khan, who was imprisoned last year on corruption charges that he claims are politically motivated, remains a powerful political figure. Past demonstrations for his release have historically led to crackdowns and occasional violence.
The march, originally set for the previous week, was delayed after failed negotiations between the federal government and PTI. The talks ended in a stalemate when authorities denied PTI officials access to Khan for consultations.
A Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government official estimated the march would reach a town 80 kilometres west of Islamabad by Thursday, announcing that the movement would unify the nation in its call for political action.
In response, Islamabad officials positioned shipping containers to block major routes into the city, tightening security ahead of the protest’s arrival.
Khan’s legal team critics note that court orders mandated his examination at a specific private hospital, a request that authorities have reportedly ignored. The family and PTI have repeatedly requested urgent medical assessments.
The march continues as national attention sharpens on the political implications of Khan’s incarceration and the broader discourse on justice and governance in Pakistan.
