Pakistan partially stops mobile and internet services ahead of pro-Imran Khan protest
Associated PressNOV 30 2024
According to authorities, Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and the police clashed near Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. At least one police officer was killed, while several other police officers and demonstrators were injured in the brawl.
The march comes as Belarusian Pres. Aleksandr Lukashenko arrived in Pakistan on Monday on an official visit. The government blocked major roads, deployed paramilitary personnel in riot gear, and suspended mobile and internet services to protect residents and property.
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.
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.
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.