Thousands of supporters for former Prime Minister Imran Khan faced no hindrance as they gathered in Islamabad, Pakistan, despite efforts by authorities to block access to the capital. Though the roads were blocked with containers, the protesters were from Khan’s PTI party; they had entered the city, proving that PTI’s mobilization was high, even with Khan behind the bars.
The Protest Demonstrated Resilience to PTI: A protest, the largest to take place in Islamabad since Khan was imprisoned this August 2023, took place on Sunday. The protest was a grand display of strength and devotion from PTI. Michael Kugelman, a Pakistan specialist at the Wilson Center, observed that PTI’s ability to marshal such an enormous crowd showed “its mobilization capabilities remain intact despite relentless attempts to curb it.”
Authorities Blockade Did Not Stop Protestors: Pakistani police had taken to blocking major roads leading into the capital by placing shipping containers, a tactic commonly used when the country is embroiled in political turmoil. However, protesters managed to push through and remove the containers while continuing the rally. “They cannot stop the motivation and emotions the people have right now,” PTI senator Humayun Mohmand said.
Imran Khan’s Legal Battle: Imran Khan, now in prison since August 2023, describes the charges against him as politically driven, designed to stand between him and a route back to power. He was charged on several occasions since his toppling in 2022; many are still before the courts. His supporters believe his legal problems are part of a wider effort to undermine his political influence.
Frustration with Military Influence: Khan’s assumption of power in 2018 was facilitated by the general discontent related to corruption in Pakistan’s political system. In 2022, however, his falling out with the military establishment led to his ouster and infuriated many Pakistanis. The military, which has wielded huge influence in the country, has been part of crackdowns against PTI, further angering Khan’s supporters.
Supporters of Imran Khan remain defiant, carrying on with protests amidst legal hurdles and trying times from the government to prevent public rallies. On Sunday, a rally in Islamabad proved again how strong the PTI remains and how its support base stays loyal amidst swelling cries for a level-playing-field political contest sans any leverage of the military.