ISLAMABAD — A large number of individuals have gathered in Pakistan’s capital, calling for the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned since August 2023. Khan and his advocates assert that the charges against him are politically motivated, prompting this significant mobilization.
Authorities have responded by deploying thousands of security forces to restrict movement within the city, suspending phone services, using tear gas, and threatening to shoot live rounds if necessary. This marks the second instance in as many months where the government has taken extensive measures to control demonstrations by Khan’s supporters.
The underlying issues behind this unrest stem from Khan’s ability to galvanize support even from behind bars. The cricket icon continues to attract large crowds, claiming that his ousting was the result of a conspiracy orchestrated by the United States and his political adversary, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, both of whom deny these accusations.
Khan portrays himself as a victim of the political establishment, while critics label him a corrupt populist who incites violence. Despite facing numerous charges, Khan has effectively utilized social media and even artificial intelligence to connect with supporters, resulting in significant turnout and disruptions in urban areas.
In a notable shift, Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, is now leading the protests, bringing renewed energy to the movement. Released on bail from a high-security prison a few weeks prior, she was previously incarcerated on graft charges. Her active participation, alongside public speeches, has played a crucial role in mobilizing supporters during her husband’s absence. Bibi insisted on leading the protest from her home province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the capital, Islamabad.
As Khan’s third wife, Bibi has faced scrutiny from the government over allegations related to her previous marriage, which they argue violated legal waiting periods before remarrying. However, Bibi contends that her divorce occurred well before her marriage to Khan. The controversy surrounding her conviction has resonated widely, garnering support from women’s and rights groups across Pakistan, thus expanding her appeal.
The government appears to be struggling to maintain control amidst the growing unrest. Tactics such as shelling, threats of live ammunition, and crowd dispersal have not deterred Khan’s supporters from attempting to reach the capital. Despite closing off access to the Red Zone, which contains essential government buildings, authorities have failed to contain the influx of protestors. The Interior Ministry has granted police discretion on the use of force, yet so far, they have shown restraint, although the risks of potential violence loom large.
This period of unrest coincides with the visit of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who is currently staying in the secured Red Zone. The unrest is reminiscent of past upheavals Pakistan has faced, yet the government’s robust response to recent pro-Khan demonstrations has prompted strong defiance from Khan’s political faction, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.
The economic ramifications of ongoing protests, even in localized lockdowns, are substantial, with estimated losses running into hundreds of millions of dollars daily—a burden that Pakistan, already grappling with financial difficulties, struggles to endure. The government remains steadfast in its refusal to acquiesce to demands for Khan’s release, recognizing his significant popularity and the implications his return poses to the current ruling class.
As Khan’s supporters continue to rally and promise to take extreme measures to secure his release, the situation remains tense, with the possibility of prolonged unrest on the horizon.
