Imran Khan's Supporters March to Islamabad Despite Blockades

Imran Khan, Pakistan's former prime minister, has been in jail for over a year. His supporters planned a big march to Islamabad to demand his release and changes to the judiciary. The government wasn't happy about this. They blocked highways, cut off internet, and sent thousands of police and soldiers to stop the march. Khan says his arrest is part of a plot by the military and the ruling government to keep him out of power. His supporters believe there was cheating in the recent elections and want fair polls. The march started on Friday, with tens of thousands of supporters from across the country. The government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has been criticized for its tough response. They've put up roadblocks, shut down internet in some areas, and deployed a lot of troops and police. The capital, Islamabad, looks like a fortress. The red zone, where all the parliament buildings are, is completely sealed off. Khan's supporters have been hit with teargas and baton charges. Over 5, 000 people have been arrested, and some have even thrown stones at police and set their vehicles on fire. Khan's wife, Bishra Bibi, is also taking part in the march. She said they won't stop until Khan is released. The PTI, Khan's party, claims more than 70, 000 people are marching from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone. The PTI has brought trucks with large fans to disperse teargas and rubber bullets. They say the military asked them to meet with Khan in jail to call off the march. The government calls the march a "conspiracy" and plans to arrest all protesters trying to enter Islamabad. Ahsan Iqbal, a federal minister, says Khan must go through the courts to be released. Khan has been facing a crackdown since his arrest last year. He fell out with the army chief in 2022, which led to his government being toppled.