Pakistan: Imran Khan Supporters Detained After Defying Lockdown
The Facts
Police in Pakistan Monday detained over 4K supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan, including five lawmakers, for trying to reach Islamabad's Red Zone. This comes a day after a lockdown was imposed on the capital to prevent a rally demanding Khan's release and the government's resignation.
Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi — imprisoned with Khan but released on bail in late October — and Peshawar lawmaker Ali Amin Gandapur led a march to Islamabad. On their way to the capital, she promised supporters, "Until Khan comes to us, we will not end this march."
The Spin
Narrative A
The government must maintain law and order to protect diplomatic visits and prevent the destabilization of Islamabad, as previous protests have resulted in violence and damage to state property, disrupting daily life and threatening national security.
Narrative B
The protests represent a legitimate democratic movement against political persecution, as Khan faces politically motivated cases and his party was unfairly treated in recent elections, while the government's heavy-handed response violates basic rights to assembly and communication.