Pakistan: Imran Khan Supporters Defy Lockdown, Detained
Pakistan: police clash with Imran Khan supportersSupporters demandingDefy hisLockdown, releaseDetained
The Facts
As Pakistan's capital Islamabad remains under lockdown on Monday in preparation for a protest demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and the resignation of the government, police detained nearly 4K of Khan's followers, including five legislators.Pakistan police on Monday detained over 4K supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan, including five legislators, 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 government's resignation.
Imran Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, and Peshawar politician Ali Amin Gandapur led a march to Islamabad. In January, Bushra Bibi was imprisoned with Khan but released on bail in late October. On their way to the capital, she promised supporters, "Until Khan comes to us, we will not end this march."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
The incarcerationgovernment ofmust formermaintain PMlaw Imran Khan has heightened political tensions. As police and militaryorder prepare to meetprotect protestersdiplomatic invisits riotand gear,prevent some analysts worry that Pakistan may be on the brinkdestabilization of civil war. The most powerful figure in the countrycapital, isas notprevious theprotests armyhave chiefresulted orin PMviolence Sharif;and rather,damage itto isstate Imran Khan. Even from jailproperty, hedisrupting candaily organizelife large-scaleand demonstrationsthreatening thatnational could compel the military to shut down the entire capitalsecurity.
The marchprotests representsrepresent Khan'sa lastlegitimate opportunitydemocratic tomovement persuadeagainst thepolitical military establishment to negotiate for his release. Howeverpersecution, militaryas leadersKhan arefaces unlikelypolitically tomotivated engagecases inand talkshis withparty thewas formerunfairly Primetreated Minister. It seems Khan will remain in jailrecent for the foreseeable futureelections, aswhile hethe is perceived as corrupt and a traitor. The government's hasheavy-handed pledgedresponse toviolates arrestbasic everyrights PTI protester attempting to enterassembly Islamabad. For Pakistan to progress, there is no room for individuals like Khan and the PTIcommunication.