Roughly five thousand supporters of Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan have marched from Lakki Marwat to Islamabad, demanding his release and the provision of proper medical care.
The march paused overnight in the capital, with organisers expecting to resume the following day. Khan, who is jailed on more than 100 corruption charges, claims the accusations are politically motivated and that his health has worsened while in prison; his family says he has lost most of his vision in his right eye.
The protest gained steam after Khan was transferred to a state‑run hospital for medical examination in August, only to be deemed “medically fit” by court‑ordered doctors. The family and the Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) have criticised the authorities for defying a court order to allow a private hospital examination.
Authorities in Islamabad have placed shipping containers to block key access routes to the city, sparking fears of renewed violence given the history of violent crackdowns on PTI supporters.
Khan’s sister, Aleema Khanum, was arrested in Lahore on 20 September on accusations of inciting unrest. The PTI accused Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi of sabotaging negotiations and highlighted the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s withdrawal from earlier counter‑terrorism commitments.
Former international cricket captains have publicly urged the government to provide the former player with proper medical care while he remains in custody. The march is poised to reach a town 80 kilometres west of Islamabad by Thursday, signalling sustained pressure on the government for a resolution.
