Pakistan bolsters security as Imran Khan supporters plan capital march

Pakistan has significantly tightened security in Islamabad as the country braces for a major political demonstration planned by backers of Imran Khan, the imprisoned former prime minister. On Wednesday, authorities closed key access routes into the capital, erecting barriers using shipping containers on major highways to control movement in and out of the city.

The heightened security measures come amid growing political tensions in the country. Tens of thousands of security forces have been mobilized across Islamabad in preparation for the march, reflecting official concerns about potential unrest during the planned event. The deployment represents one of the most significant security operations in the capital in recent months.

Imran Khan, who was ousted as prime minister in 2022, has remained a polarizing political figure in Pakistan. His Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party continues to command substantial grassroots support, particularly among younger voters, despite facing government restrictions and legal challenges. The planned march marks another attempt by his supporters to demonstrate their backing for the former leader.

The security lockdown underscores the deep political divisions within Pakistan and the government's determination to prevent large-scale protests in the capital. Authorities have not specified how long the restrictions will remain in place or what specific threat assessments prompted the unprecedented level of security mobilization.