Pakistan’s capital was placed under a heavy security lockdown on Sunday in anticipation of protests by supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who are demanding his release.
Highways leading to Islamabad were blocked with shipping containers, while key roads within the city were also sealed off. Police and paramilitary forces, equipped with riot gear, have been deployed across the capital, and mobile phone services have been suspended.
Supporters of Mr. Khan, led by members of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, were expected to converge near the parliament building. The Islamabad police issued a statement saying all gatherings have been banned under existing legal provisions.
Frustration among residents
Residents expressed concern over the political unrest and its impact on the country’s stability and economy.
“The situation is very serious,” said Muhammad Usama, a local resident. “This should not happen. It is impacting our country’s economic situation. There should be political stability in the country. The only option is for these parties to go for elections. The conflict between the government and the opposition is placing a negative impact on our country, and it should be resolved.”
Another resident, Muhammad Asif, echoed similar concerns. “These regular protests are not only destroying our economy but are making our country’s situation unstable, which is not a favor to our country at all. We want Pakistan’s top political leaders to sit down and find solutions to these problems.”
A nation in turmoil
The protests come amid heightened political tensions in Pakistan, where Mr. Khan’s arrest has intensified divisions between his PTI party and the ruling government. The political crisis has further strained the country’s fragile economy, which is grappling with high inflation and currency devaluation.
While the government has sought to suppress gatherings, the growing unrest underscores the challenges facing Pakistan’s leadership in addressing public grievances and restoring political stability.
