Imran Khan supporters start march towards Islamabad after talks fail
Supporters of Pakistan’s imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan began a planned march from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa towards Islamabad after negotiations with the government reached an impasse. Authorities blocked major routes into the capital, while Khan’s PTI demanded his release, medical access and the release of his three sisters.
Supporters of imprisoned former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan began a march towards Islamabad on Sunday after talks between his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party and the government failed to produce an agreement. Videos posted on PTI’s official social-media accounts showed supporters gathering in several parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the province governed by the party, before setting out in convoys. The demonstration had originally been planned for September 27 but was postponed until Sunday.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said the protest would proceed. He said the initial phase would move towards Khairabad, about 80 kilometres west of Islamabad, by Thursday. He did not specify when demonstrators would enter the capital or give details of later stages.
The talks were described as being in deadlock by opposition politician Allama Raja Nasir Abbas. He said the demands included access to Khan by his doctor. PTI has also called for the release of Khan’s three sisters, who were arrested last month.
Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 and faces charges ranging from corruption to treason and inciting violence. He and his legal team reject the allegations, describing them as politically motivated efforts to weaken his popularity. Concern has also grown over his medical treatment and access to doctors and family.
Authorities in Islamabad prepared for the march by blocking main roads into the capital with double-stacked shipping containers. The measures disrupted traffic and public transport. Police and army capabilities were cited by analysts as factors limiting the immediate threat to the government, although the protest adds to political and economic pressure.
The Supreme Court ruled in August that Khan should be moved to a civilian hospital for treatment. The authorities instead returned him to prison after a short stay at a government-run hospital. The supplied material does not report clashes or arrests during the march’s opening phase.
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