From Foreign Policy · Michael Kugelman · · 2m
Pakistan Opposition Marches Toward Islamabad
Supporters of jailed former PM Imran Khan march toward Islamabad to demand his release.
In brief
Supporters of jailed former PM Imran Khan march toward Islamabad to demand his release. Pakistan’s opposition supporters march toward Islamabad to pressure the government to free jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan after three years of imprisonment. Originally reported by Foreign Policy.
Khan Supporters March on Islamabad
Supporters of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan began a long march in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Sunday aiming to reach Islamabad later this week.
Khan Imprisoned for Three Years
Khan has been imprisoned for more than three years after his arrest in August 2023 and the widely criticized February 2024 elections.
Family Reports Health Worsening
Khan’s family says his health is worsening after Pakistan flouted a Supreme Court order to transfer him to a private medical facility in August.
Family Denied Visits
Family members say they are not allowed to visit Khan, and his two U.K.-based sons say the government refused to process their visas.
Government Fails to Avert March
Government negotiations with the PTI to avert the march failed, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a public plea to protesters not to come to Islamabad.
Political Pressure on Government
The government faces pressure to free Khan as it deals with energy shortages, a hot border with India, conflict with Afghanistan, and mediation in the Iran war.
Risk of Khan’s Death in Prison
Khan’s sister Uzma warned he could become like Mohamed Morsi, the former Egyptian president who died in custody, after his August hospital visit.
Khan Unlikely to Accept Deal
Khan is unlikely to accept a deal offering exile or house arrest if he stays quiet, as he is never one to defer.
Khan’s Political Legacy
Khan lost power in 2022 after a parliamentary no-confidence vote where he implicated the Pakistani military and U.S. government, both of which denied the accusations.
Protests After Khan’s Arrest
Large protests followed Khan’s arrest in August 2023 and the widely criticized February 2024 elections, but streets have been quiet since.
State Response to Protests
When protests have gone ahead, including in Islamabad in November 2024, the state has responded with force to suppress demonstrations.
Khan’s Support Base Growing Angry
Khan’s large support base has grown increasingly angry as the popular former cricketer languishes in prison for over three years.
Here's the gist
Pakistan’s opposition supporters march toward Islamabad to pressure the government to free jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan after three years of imprisonment.
