Authorities Block Key Routes to Islamabad Ahead of Imran Khan Supporter March

Police in Pakistan have sealed the main arteries leading to Islamabad in a bid to curb a planned demonstration by supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan, who remains in detention on corruption charges. According to Al Jazeera, the security forces closed the M‑2 motorway from Lahore and the M‑1 highway from Peshawar early on Saturday, deploying checkpoints and barricades to stop large numbers of demonstrators from entering the city.

The move comes after weeks of escalating calls for Khan’s release, with his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party urging followers to march on the capital. Officials said the closures are a precautionary measure to avoid clashes that could arise if the protestors breach police lines. “We are taking all necessary steps to maintain law and order,” a senior police spokesperson told reporters, adding that any attempt to force entry would be met with force.

Imran Khan, ousted in a 2022 parliamentary vote of no confidence, has faced a series of legal battles since his arrest in May 2024. His supporters argue the case is politically motivated, while the government maintains that the charges are legitimate. The latest protest plan mirrors earlier mass rallies, such as the 2023 “Azadi March,” which saw thousands converge on Islamabad and resulted in a temporary shutdown of the capital’s main thoroughfares.

Closing the highways is not unprecedented in Pakistan’s volatile political climate. Security agencies often restrict movement around the capital during high‑tension events, a tactic used during the 2022 protests over the price of fuel and the 2023 sit‑in by opposition parties. Analysts note that limiting access can both deter violence and limit the symbolic impact of a march that aims to showcase nationwide dissent.

Human rights groups have called for the authorities to allow peaceful assembly, warning that heavy restrictions could inflame public anger. The situation remains fluid, with the police monitoring social media for any signs of escalation. As of now, the roads remain blocked, and the government has urged citizens to avoid the area until the protest is either postponed or dispersed.

The outcome of this standoff will likely influence the next phase of Pakistan’s political drama, as Khan’s legal fate and the PTI’s capacity to mobilise mass support continue to shape the country’s trajectory.