Thousands of supporters of Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party gathered in Islamabad for a rally demanding the release of the former Prime Minister, who has been in jail for over a year on what his party calls politically motivated charges. The rally, held on Sunday, was the first show of strength for the PTI since the disputed February elections.
Khan’s close aide, Hammad Azhar, vowed to continue the fight until Khan is released, stating that only Khan can save the country from corrupt politicians. Supporters from across the country marched towards the capital, facing obstacles such as blocked roads and riot police.
The Islamabad administration had blocked key entry points into the city, with containers and riot police deployed to prevent unrest. Despite the hurdles, supporters pushed through to attend the rally. However, there were reports of clashes between protesters and police, with both sides accusing each other of violence.
Khan, a former cricket star, was removed from office through a no-confidence vote in April 2022 and has been in jail since August 2023, facing allegations of inciting violence. His PTI party is also facing a potential ban by the government. International human rights experts have criticized Khan’s detention, stating that it appears to be politically motivated to disqualify him from running for office.
The rally in Islamabad marked a significant moment for Khan’s supporters, who continue to show unwavering support for their leader despite the challenges they face.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
