Pakistan blocks highways as PTI plans mass rally for Imran Khan

The government has moved to block the main highways leading into Pakistan’s capital and erected rows of shipping containers around key access points, officials said. Al Jazeera reported that the measures are intended to contain a planned protest by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, which aims to march on Islamabad to call for the release of former prime minister Imran Khan.

PTI leaders announced that a coordinated march is scheduled for early next week, with supporters from across the country expected to converge on the capital. The rally is framed as a demand for Khan’s freedom after his recent detention on corruption charges, a move that has already sparked a wave of public demonstrations.

Imran Khan, who was ousted from power in 2022, has remained a polarising figure in Pakistani politics. Since his removal, he has faced multiple legal cases, including a high‑profile graft trial that led to his arrest earlier this year. His supporters contend that the proceedings are politically motivated, while the government maintains they are based on evidence. The PTI’s call for a mass march echoes similar large‑scale protests in 2022, when thousands took to the streets after Khan’s removal, resulting in clashes with security forces.

The current security crackdown follows a pattern of pre‑emptive actions by Pakistani authorities during periods of heightened political tension. In previous instances, such as the 2023 sit‑in at the Supreme Court, the state imposed curfews, restricted internet access, and deployed additional police units to deter large gatherings. By sealing highways and installing container barriers, officials aim to limit the movement of protestors and prevent potential disruptions to traffic and public order.

International observers have called for restraint, warning that heavy-handed tactics could inflame an already volatile situation. Human rights groups note that restricting freedom of assembly may exacerbate public grievances, while regional neighbours monitor the developments closely given the potential spill‑over effects on trade routes that pass through the capital. The outcome of the upcoming PTI march could shape the political landscape ahead of the next general election, scheduled for 2028.