Thousands of Imran Khan supporters have embarked on a multi-day journey towards Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad. They are demanding the immediate release of the former prime minister. This slow-moving convoy left the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Sunday.
Around 5,000 individuals are currently traveling by various vehicles. Organizers hope to gather hundreds of thousands more along the 80-kilometer (50-mile) route. Their primary goals include Khan’s release from prison and his transfer to a civilian hospital. Furthermore, they seek regular family visits for him.
Government officials, however, maintain that Khan does not require hospitalization. They state he already receives consistent family visits. Notably, Pakistan’s Supreme Court ruled for his transfer to a civilian hospital in August. He was nevertheless returned to prison after a brief stay.
Despite his incarceration since August 2023, Khan remains a highly influential figure. His followers believe his imprisonment stems from political persecution. He served as prime minister from 2018 until a no-confidence vote removed him in April 2022. Khan faces charges including corruption, treason, and inciting violence following widespread protests in May 2023.
Moreover, Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party alleges the 2024 election was rigged. This election saw Shehbaz Sharif return to power. The government vehemently denies these accusations. An expert from the National University of Singapore, James Dorsey, described Khan as a populist leader with a genuine popular movement. Therefore, the government is determined to prevent protesters from entering Islamabad.
The march, initially planned for September 27, was postponed for political talks. These discussions, aimed at resolving the standoff, ultimately failed after two rounds. PTI Chairman Gohar Khan confirmed the deadlock. Consequently, the protest resumed, with rallies scheduled at overnight stops.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has blamed provincial chief minister Sohail Afridi for the failed negotiations. He warned Afridi would be held responsible for any loss of life. Past protests by Khan’s supporters have turned violent. For instance, security personnel and civilians were killed in 2024. The government has also accused Khan’s PTI of sympathizing with the Pakistani Taliban. This group is widely suspected of being behind a resurgence of terror attacks, an accusation the PTI dismisses as a smear campaign.
