Thousands of protesters across Pakistan have taken to the streets demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Protests, Clashes, and Arrests in Pakistan Over Imran Khan’s Release

Thousands of protesters across Pakistan have taken to the streets demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Demonstrators from various regions have been marching towards the capital, Islamabad, since Sunday, resulting in violent clashes with law enforcement.

Protests, Clashes, and Arrests in Pakistan Over Imran Khan’s Release

Thousands of protesters across Pakistan have taken to the streets demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Demonstrators from various regions have been marching towards the capital, Islamabad, since Sunday, resulting in violent clashes with law enforcement.

According to police reports, protesters threw stones at security forces, injuring 14 officers, who were later hospitalized. On the other hand, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters accused the police of firing tear gas shells and using batons to disperse the crowds. Authorities confirmed that numerous protesters were arrested in different parts of Islamabad early Monday.

This mass demonstration is being seen as a response to Imran Khan’s call for a "final" protest. The 72-year-old former prime minister has urged his supporters to remain in Islamabad until their demands are met.

Leading the protest is Khan’s wife and former First Lady, Bushra Bibi, who was also convicted alongside Khan in January but released on bail in late October. On Sunday, she joined the convoy, addressing supporters from inside her vehicle via a microphone. “Move swiftly toward your destination. We are here to bring Imran Khan back, and we won’t leave without him,” she declared.

Imran Khan is currently serving a three-year prison sentence following a conviction on corruption charges, which he has consistently denied. The former cricket star has been in custody since August, claiming the charges against him are politically motivated.

In response to the escalating protests, the government has heightened security across Islamabad, blocking highways and suspending mobile and internet services in some areas.

Khan, who was elected as prime minister in 2018, was ousted from office in 2022 after a no-confidence vote, which he claims was orchestrated due to his falling out with the military. A UN panel has also labeled his arrest as arbitrary.

Despite being behind bars, Imran Khan continues to wield significant influence in Pakistan's political landscape, with the ongoing protests underscoring his enduring popularity and the deep divisions in the country.