Politics · World News Bureau
Pakistan blocks highways to capital ahead of pro-Khan demonstrations
Pakistani authorities have sealed major roads leading into Islamabad as supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan prepare mass protests demanding his release. The security measures underscore mounting tensions between Khan's political movement and the government.
LSN World News ·
Police have closed key highways and access points to Pakistan's capital city in a preemptive move to restrict the flow of demonstrators planning to converge on Islamabad. The blockades come as Khan's supporters mobilize for coordinated marches calling for the release of the former cricket star-turned-politician, who has remained in detention facing multiple legal charges.
Khan, who served as Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022, has become a polarizing figure in Pakistani politics since his ouster. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has organized several large-scale protest movements over the past months, with his followers maintaining his detention is politically motivated.
The road closures represent an escalation in security protocols, with authorities citing concerns over potential disruptions to public order. Officials have deployed additional personnel at entry points to the capital, signaling expectations of significant crowd movement in coming days.
Khan's imprisonment has energized his political base, particularly among younger voters and urban constituencies. The demonstrations reflect deepening divisions within Pakistan's political landscape, as his party continues to challenge the legitimacy of the current government while demanding judicial review of his cases.