Violent protests rock Pakistan as citizens demand former PM Imran Khan’s release 

In a massive display of public solidarity, tens of thousands of protesters converged on the streets of Islamabad, the Pakistani capital, to vociferously demand the immediate release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The embattled leader has been incarcerated for over a year, facing what his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party vehemently describes as fabricated, politically motivated charges.

The sprawling rally, organised by Khan’s PTI party, marked a significant show of strength and resilience, coming hot on the heels of the contentious national and regional elections held in February, Al Jazeera reports. The event served as a potent reminder of the unwavering loyalty and dedication of Khan’s supporters.

Social media platform X was inundated with compelling images and videos capturing the sheer scale of the demonstration.

Imran Khan

Footage showed throngs of enthusiastic marchers converging on Islamabad from various parts of the country, underscoring the widespread discontent with the current political landscape.

As the crowds swelled, chants and slogans filled the air, echoing the protesters’ unwavering commitment to securing Khan’s freedom and upholding democratic principles.

The rally constituted a forceful rebuke of the government’s handling of Khan’s case, with many participants brandishing banners and placards that decried the perceived politicization of justice.

“We will not rest until Khan is released from jail,” said Khan’s close aide Hammad Azhar in the opening speech that set the tone of the rally which was monitored by Diaspora Digital Media.

Salman Akram Raja, a prominent lawyer and PTI leader from Lahore, described Khan as the only person who can save Pakistan from the “clutches of corrupt and incompetent politicians”.

In an effort to maintain control and prevent potential disturbances, the Islamabad administration had implemented stringent security measures, effectively sealing off key entry points into the city.

Authorities had strategically positioned shipping containers and deployed riot police personnel to barricade the access routes, aiming to thwart any attempts by protesters to gather in large numbers.

However, dozens of devoted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activists managed to break through the administrative blockade.

“It was very difficult to reach the rally. All roads had been blocked. But we are determined. If there is a call from Imran Khan to protest and we don’t come, that’s not possible. We are with him till our last breath,” says Robina Ghafoor, a PTI supporter.

A spokesman for the Islamabad police, in a statement, in accused the protesters of pelting police personnel with stones, injuring many of them, including a senior official.

Khan, a former cricket star, was ousted from office through a no-trust vote in April 2022.

Background of his charges:

Imran Khan was initially arrested on corruption charges in May 2023 for misusing his premiership to buy and sell gifts in state possession that were received during diplomatic visits abroad. He was sentenced to a three-year jail term in August 2023.

Later, he was also convicted of leaking state secrets and violating the Official Secrets Act, for which he received a 10-year prison sentence in January 2024.

Additionally, he was convicted of breaching Islamic marriage laws and received a seven-year sentence.

However, some of these convictions have since been overturned on appeal, but he remains in jail.

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