Protests Intensify in Pakistan as Imran Khan Supporters Demand His Release

Pakistan witnessed another surge in political unrest as thousands of supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan clashed with police in their demand for his release. Tensions boiled over in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where protesters faced tear gas as they fired projectiles using slings.

The protest escalated on Monday when a large convoy, led by lawmaker Ali Amin Gandapur and addressed by Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, began its march from Peshawar to Islamabad. Bushra Bibi, who was briefly jailed earlier this year, urged supporters to remain steadfast, framing the movement as not just a fight for her husband but for Pakistan’s future.

“Until Khan comes to us, we will not end this march,” she declared. “This is about our country and its leader.”

In response, authorities fortified Islamabad with rows of shipping containers blocking major streets, earning the city the nickname “Containeristan.” Heavy police and paramilitary forces have been deployed, turning the capital into a fortress to prevent protesters from entering.

Social media platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram have been partially suspended, and mobile services may be cut if unrest escalates further. Residents of Islamabad are bearing the brunt of these disruptions, with schools closed, businesses stalled, and daily commutes severely impacted.

This latest wave of protests reflects the deepening divide in Pakistan’s political landscape. Khan, a once-popular leader ousted in 2022, remains a polarizing figure. His supporters, galvanized by his imprisonment, have staged relentless demonstrations, challenging the government’s ability to maintain order.

As the march continues, Pakistan’s political future appears increasingly uncertain, with no resolution in sight. Authorities and protest leaders remain at an impasse, leaving residents and businesses to navigate an environment of mounting chaos and tension.