In brief
In a surge of political protest, around five thousand supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan began a march from Lakki Marwat toward Islamabad, demanding his release and urgent medical treatment. The crowd, waving PTI flags, highlighted concerns over Khan's deteriorating health after a prison health neglect fiasco. The protest follows a banned group’s earlier violent backlash when Khan was arrested in 2023, leading to calls for a prompt medical review. Both the civil‑service government and PTI pressed for dialogue, but negotiations ended deadlocked, leaving the march to continue into the capital amid potential crackdown.
About 5,000 protesters, wearing red‑and‑green PTI flags, streamed from Lakki Marwat toward the capital, demanding the release of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan and urgent medical attention.
The protest was sparked by growing concerns over Khan, aged 73, who has reportedly lost most vision in one eye after prison authorities allegedly failed to provide proper medical care. He was sentenced to 17 years last February on corruption charges that critics say are politically motivated, and has faced more than 100 separate legal accusations.
Supporters say the march, originally set for last week, was postponed to accommodate talks between the PTI and the federal government. The talks collapsed when federal officials refused the PTI’s request for access to Khan to discuss national issues, as well as to arrange a formal medical examination at a private hospital compliant with a court order.
The route from Lakki Marwat, 275 km south of Islamabad, is expected to bring the march into the capital by Thursday, with authors citing interior minister Mohsin Naqvi’s accusation that the opposition chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Afridi, sabotaged negotiations. Afridi warned that the march would “reach every corner of the country,” urging citizens to “play an active role in the political process.”
Police have already cordoned key access roads with shipping containers, raising the possibility of further restraints as the crowd progresses toward the city. Earlier in the year, Khan’s arrest in May provoked violent protests that led to eight fatalities and the deployment of army troops to restore order.
As the march continues, citizens and political analysts are watching closely for any signs of government concession or increased pressure on the PTI leadership. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for rapid escalation if the protest’s momentum pushes into the capital’s heart.
