‘Source of anxiety’: Pakistan cracks down before march to free Imran Khan

Pakistan has locked down its capital with paramilitary deployments to thwart mass protests demanding the release of jailed leader Imran Khan.

Authorities in Pakistan have heavily fortified Islamabad and deployed paramilitary forces to block major highways ahead of planned protests by supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Despite being imprisoned, Khan's enduring political popularity continues to present a significant challenge for military leadership. The demonstrations organized by his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party demand his immediate release.

• Police and security forces closed major highways leading into Islamabad to prevent demonstrators from entering the capital.
• Paramilitary units have been deployed across key locations in Pakistan in anticipation of widespread unrest.
• The protests are being organized by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party to pressure authorities into releasing Imran Khan.
• Military leadership under Field Marshal Asim Munir views the detained former prime minister's ongoing popular support as a major threat.

Written from 3 of 4 outlets — 1 has since joined this story.

Timeline

1. Sep 23Police closed major highways into Islamabad and deployed paramilitary forces ahead of planned protests by Imran Khan supporters.
2. Sep 24Commentators and analysts highlighted the ongoing challenge that Imran Khan's popularity poses to Pakistan's military leadership.

In this story

Covered by 4 outlets

• Al Jazeera‘Source of anxiety’: Pakistan cracks down before march to free Imran Khan5d ago · open ↗
• The Straits TimesPakistan blocks roads around capital ahead of planned pro-Khan protest5d ago · open ↗
• Financial TimesWhy Pakistan’s military cannot solve its Imran Khan problem5d ago · open ↗
• The Times of IndiaHighways blocked, paramilitary deployed: Pak gears up for PTI's Islamabad march6d ago · open ↗

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