Thousands of supporters of Pakistan’s imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan rallied on Sunday, demanding his release after more than a year in detention. The crowd gathered on the outskirts of Islamabad, calling for an end to Khan’s detainment, which has been characterized by more than 150 police cases. Khan’s political party, PTI, and government critics argue that the charges are politically motivated. As the main rival to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Khan was ousted from office in 2022 through a no-confidence vote in parliament. Despite his legal troubles, Khan remains a popular figure in Pakistan.
The rally, one of the largest hosted by PTI this year, was peaceful, though there were brief clashes between police and activists. Authorities had blocked key roads with shipping containers to prevent supporters from attending the event. Khan’s spokesman denounced this police action, and the top official in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province expressed confidence that Khan would soon be released.
Imran Khan has been in prison since 2023 following a corruption conviction. The rally demonstrated the continued support for Khan among his followers, who believe in his innocence and view him as a victim of political persecution. As the legal battle continues, Khan’s supporters remain steadfast in their calls for his release and their belief in his leadership.
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