Pakistan PM calls for end to Imran Khan supporters' protest march

Pakistan's Prime Minister appealed to supporters of incarcerated former leader Imran Khan to cease their ongoing protest march, marking an escalation in tensions between the government and Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. The demonstration commenced Sunday with thousands of participants converging on the capital to press demands for Khan's release following the breakdown of de-escalation talks between authorities and protest organisers. Khan, who served as Prime Minister until 2022, has faced multiple legal challenges and remains in detention on various charges, which his supporters contend are politically motivated. The impasse reflects deepening divisions within Pakistani politics, with Khan's PTI maintaining significant grassroots support despite the former leader's legal predicament and party restrictions imposed by authorities. Government officials have expressed concerns about the march's scale and potential for disruption, though organisers have pledged to maintain peaceful demonstrations while negotiations continue.