Supporters of jailed former Pakistani leader Imran Khan march towards capital

Thousands of supporters of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan marched towards the capital on Saturday, demanding his release. Khan has been incarcerated since 2023, and his health is reportedly in critical condition, according to supporters and family members. The government has stated that it will not permit the march to enter the capital due to security concerns.

Government spokespersons asserted that they would "take all possible measures to maintain peace and promote public development in the province." The supporters of Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party commenced their "long march" the previous Sunday, advocating for Khan's release and highlighting anti-government sentiment exacerbated by economic hardships.

A large crowd of protesters, some carrying the party's red-and-green flags or portraits of Khan, responded with cheers: "We are ready." Khan, a globally renowned former cricket star, has been imprisoned since August 2023 and faces numerous charges, including corruption and treason, stemming from post-revolution riots in 2023. He and his legal team contend that the allegations are politically motivated and designed to undermine his popularity.

Khan's sons have been expressing growing concerns about his deteriorating health over the past year. His lawyers reveal that he has sustained significant vision loss in his right eye while in prison. Last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif encouraged the PTI to cancel the march and resume negotiations with the government. Discussions between the two parties ground to a halt early Sunday before the march commenced.

The PTI has consistently accused the government of imprisoning Khan on charges derived from politically motivated trials, a claim the government firmly rejects. Shehbaz Sharif also cautioned that the demonstration's repercussions on the economy would be dealt with through the legal system. "We will not allow this to happen," he warned.

"The law will take its course. Protecting the lives and property of the people is our responsibility, and we will ensure this by all means." The government has been preparing for weeks for the potential arrival of demonstrators in Islamabad, having initially planned the march for September 27, which was subsequently rescheduled for the following Sunday.