Imran Khan March Draws Thousands as Supporters Head to Islamabad
Thousands of supporters joined the Imran Khan march toward Pakistan’s capital this week, demanding the release of the jailed former prime minister. The demonstration began in Lakki Marwat, a city 275km from Islamabad, and paused overnight before resuming Monday.
Imran Khan, the 73-year-old former cricketer turned politician, has been imprisoned since August 2023 on corruption charges he insists are politically motivated. His family says growing health concerns, including a reported loss of vision in his right eye, have added urgency to the protest movement.
Why Supporters Are Marching Now
The march was originally planned for last week but was delayed to allow talks between the government and Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Those talks collapsed without agreement.
PTI leaders say the government refused their request for direct access to Khan so party officials could consult him on political matters. The party also demanded an immediate medical examination, a request authorities have not fully met.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi blamed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi for the breakdown in talks, accusing his provincial government of backing out of earlier commitments on counter-terrorism cooperation.
Route and Government Response
Afridi, whose province is governed by PTI, said the march is expected to reach a town roughly 80km west of Islamabad by Thursday. He described the movement as one that will “reach every corner of the country.”
Authorities in Islamabad have placed shipping containers along major access routes into the capital, a tactic previously used to slow or block large demonstrations.
Imran Khan’s Health and Legal Troubles
Khan faces more than 100 cases, and a court sentenced him to 17 years in prison last year on corruption charges. Authorities jailed his wife, Bushra Bibi, alongside him.
In August, authorities briefly moved Khan to a state-run hospital for a medical checkup after complaints about his deteriorating condition. Doctors later declared him “medically fit,” though Khan’s family and PTI criticized authorities for ignoring a court order that required them to send him to a specific private hospital instead.
On September 20, authorities arrested Khan’s sister, Aleema Khanum, in Lahore. Officials accused her of mobilizing supporters and inciting unrest against the government.
A Divisive Figure in Pakistani Politics
Khan, who captained Pakistan’s national cricket team before entering politics, served as prime minister from 2018 to 2022. His 2023 arrest triggered violent protests across the country, including an attack on a military commander’s residence in Lahore where demonstrators damaged property and looted belongings. At least eight people died in that unrest.
Former international cricket captains have repeatedly appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government, urging that Khan receive proper medical treatment while in custody.
FAQs
Why are Imran Khan supporters marching to Islamabad?
They are demanding his release from prison and an independent medical examination, citing serious concerns about his declining eyesight and overall health.
How far is the march traveling?
The march started in Lakki Marwat, about 275km from Islamabad, and is expected to reach areas near the capital by Thursday.
What charges is Imran Khan facing?
Khan faces more than 100 legal cases, including corruption charges that led to a 17-year prison sentence, as well as allegations related to leaking state secrets and selling state gifts.
Is Imran Khan’s health declining in prison?
His family says he has lost most of his vision in his right eye due to prison authorities failing to provide timely treatment, though an August medical check declared him “medically fit.”
Why did talks between PTI and the government fail?
PTI said authorities denied party leaders access to Khan and failed to arrange an immediate medical exam, while the government accused PTI’s provincial leadership of abandoning prior commitments.
Has Imran Khan served as Pakistan’s prime minister before?
Yes, Khan served as prime minister from 2018 to 2022 after a career as captain of Pakistan’s national cricket team.
What happened after Khan’s 2023 arrest?
His arrest sparked violent nationwide protests, including an attack on a military commander’s residence in Lahore, resulting in at least eight deaths and military intervention