Thousands of supporters of Pakistan’s former prime minister, Imran Khan, gathered in Islamabad on Tuesday, defying barricades, tear gas, and rubber bullets. They flooded the streets to demand his release from prison and call for the dissolution of the current government. This large-scale protest has emerged as one of the most significant challenges to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government, which is struggling to manage Pakistan’s economic and political crises.
Protesters Break Through Barricades
The demonstration, organized by Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, was a direct challenge to the current administration. As the protesters marched towards the capital, many of them breached the barricades set up by security forces. Some climbed over barriers made from shipping containers, while others used tractors to push them aside. Their goal was to reach D-Chowk, a major intersection located just outside the capital’s heavily secured Red Zone, which houses important government buildings like the parliament and the prime minister’s office.
The protesters’ message was clear: they wanted Khan, who had been jailed earlier this year on charges ranging from corruption to terrorism, to be released from prison. Additionally, they demanded the dissolution of the Sharif government, which took power in February with military backing after Khan’s political allies were blocked from taking office following the general elections.
#PAKWatch🇵🇰: Hundreds of thousands of Imran Khan's supporters are converging on Islamabad to DEMAND his IMMEDIATE release.
FREE CAPTAIN PAKISTAN — NOW.pic.twitter.com/kDCQlGVDkv
— Steve Hanke (@steve_hanke) November 25, 2024Clashes with Security Forces
As the crowds grew larger, clashes with security forces intensified. By Tuesday afternoon, at least 1,000 protesters had gathered at D-Chowk, with thousands more on their way. The Pakistani military responded quickly, pushing protesters back using force, including tear gas and rubber bullets. Gunfire was heard across the city, particularly in the upscale neighborhoods where many government officials live.
Tensions escalated when security forces used armored vehicles and riot police to disperse crowds. According to local reports, several people were killed during the unrest, including four paramilitary rangers and one civilian who was struck by a car. The Sharif government quickly blamed the PTI protesters for these deaths, while a spokesperson from the interior ministry suggested they were caused by “unknown miscreants.” PTI, however, denied any responsibility for the deaths, instead accusing security forces of killing at least two protesters since the unrest began on Sunday.
A Divided Government Facing Growing Pressure
The government, which is trying to manage Pakistan’s deteriorating economy and security situation, faces mounting pressure as the protests continue. The country’s benchmark stock index, the KSE100, saw a sharp decline of 3.57% on Tuesday. Analysts attributed this drop to the uncertainty caused by the ongoing political unrest and the threat of more protests.
Khan’s supporters are deeply dissatisfied with the current administration, which they view as illegitimate and backed by the military. The PTI also opposes a recent constitutional amendment that strengthens parliament’s control over the judiciary, seeing it as a further blow to the country’s rule of law.
However, the government maintains that whether or not Khan is released is a matter for the courts. They argue that Khan is using his supporters’ protests to undermine the legal system and the authority of the state.
Khan’s Continued Imprisonment and the Growing Protests
Despite being granted bail or acquittal in several of his cases, Khan remains in jail facing more than 100 other charges. These include allegations of corruption, graft, and even terrorism. His legal team claims that the government is preparing new, politically motivated charges to keep him behind bars.
One of Khan’s lawyers stated that the PTI has no other recourse but to rely on protests, as the legal system is no longer providing any viable options for challenging the charges against Khan. With mounting frustration over the inability to secure his release through the courts, the party has turned to direct action, with protests becoming the primary tool of resistance.
The Role of Bushra Bibi
The ongoing protests have been led by Bushra Bibi, Khan’s wife, who has become a prominent figure in the PTI’s fight against the government. After spending nine months in prison on corruption and unlawful marriage charges, Bushra was released on bail in October. Wrapped in a white shawl, she has been leading the protests, addressing crowds from the back of a truck surrounded by PTI supporters. Her presence has further energized Khan’s base, as they rally around her as a symbol of defiance against the government.
The Risks of Continued Unrest
The political situation in Pakistan is increasingly tense, with all sides facing critical decisions. Bilal Gilani, executive director of Gallup Pakistan, stated that the military, the government, and the PTI are all “backed into a corner.” He explained that while the PTI risks losing support if the protests continue too long, the government and military face a dilemma over how to handle Khan’s imprisonment. Gilani noted that Khan generates significant sympathy when he is behind bars, which could further fuel unrest if he remains incarcerated.
Khan’s supporters argue that the PTI’s push for change is a matter of political survival, while the government claims that Khan is attempting to use street power to bypass the legal process. As the protests continue, the stakes for both sides grow higher, with the potential for further violence and instability.
The Path Forward
The crisis in Pakistan is not just a political confrontation but also a reflection of the country’s deeper economic and institutional challenges. With inflation, a struggling economy, and growing public disillusionment, the government faces increasing difficulty maintaining its authority. Meanwhile, Khan’s PTI is determined to continue its campaign for his release, the dissolution of the government, and the restoration of what they view as a more legitimate political order.
As the protests unfold, both sides appear unwilling to back down, and the situation remains fluid. Whether the government can contain the unrest or whether it will spiral into further violence remains to be seen.
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