Supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan have launched a protest march in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, calling for his release from prison.

Thousands of supporters of Pakistan's former prime minister, Imran Khan, began a protest march in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Sunday. The demonstration, organized by Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, follows the collapse of negotiations between the government and party representatives. Authorities have spent weeks preparing for the marchers' potential arrival in Islamabad by blocking key access routes with shipping containers.

Protest Demands and Deadlock

The march, which was originally scheduled for September 27, aims to secure the release of the 73-year-old former leader. Demonstrators are also calling for the release of Khan's three sisters, who were arrested last month. Negotiations between PTI and the government reached a deadlock over demands, including requests for Khan to receive medical treatment and access to his doctor.

Context of Khan's Imprisonment

Imran Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023 and faces numerous charges, including corruption, treason, and inciting violence. While Khan and his legal team maintain that these cases are politically motivated, the government has resisted calls for his release. In August, the Supreme Court ordered that Khan be moved to a civilian hospital for treatment, but he was returned to prison after a brief stay at a government facility.

Government and Security Response

Authorities have implemented significant security measures in Islamabad, including the use of double-stacked shipping containers to block major roads. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi stated that the march is expected to reach Khairabad, located 80 kilometers west of Islamabad, by Thursday, with further plans to be announced at that time.