Thousands of supporters of Pakistan's jailed former prime minister Imran Khan are marching to the capital Islamabad as they call for his release.
Health concerns have intensified over the past months. The 73‑year‑old faces alleged loss of vision in his right eye, a claim his family says emerged from prison authorities’ failure to act.
The cricket star‑turned‑politician has faced more than 100 cases, including corruption, leaking state secrets and selling state gifts; he insists that all accusations are politically motivated. Despite his confinement, Khan remains a potent force in Pakistani politics and his supporters have mounted demonstrations that in the past have led to violence and crackdowns.
Sunday's march began in Lakki Marwat, 275 km from Islamabad, paused overnight, and is scheduled to resume around midday on Monday. The event was postponed from last week after an attempt to negotiate with the government ended in a deadlock.
In August 2023 Khan was jailed; he was moved briefly to a state‑run hospital for medical scrutiny before doctors deemed him fit, a step the PTI declared the most significant relief he has received since his imprisonment.
The PTI says government rejection of a request to grant Khan access for advice on national affairs is a key failure of the talks. It also demanded an immediate medical examination of Khan at a specified private hospital, an order it claims the authorities ignored.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi blames Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi for sabotaging negotiations, citing the provincial government’s withdrawal from earlier counter‑terrorism commitments. Afridi argues the movement will reach every corner of the country and urges citizens to engage actively in politics.
Authorities in Islamabad have stacked shipping containers to block key access routes, a move that could further inflame tensions as the march progresses toward the capital. Supporters fear that the demonstration may spark renewed unrest in the already volatile political climate.
