Supporters of Imran Khan begin march in northwest Pakistan
Quick Look
Supporters of imprisoned former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan have begun a 'long march' from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province toward Islamabad after negotiations to prevent the demonstration failed.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Imran Khan is a former Pakistani prime minister currently held in prison. His party, PTI, has been organizing protests to demand his release.
A march protesting against the imprisonment of former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan kicked off in northwest Pakistan on Sunday after talks to avoid the demonstration stalled.
Authorities have been preparing for weeks for the possible arrival of demonstrators in Islamabad, with the march planned by supporters of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party originally slated for September 27 and then postponed until Sunday.
Videos posted on PTI’s official social media showed supporters coalescing in different areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which is ruled by the party, and setting off in convoys as part of the “long march”.
Sohail Afridi, the chief minister for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said earlier on X that the demonstration in support of Khan would go ahead.
Open Questions
- Will the march reach Islamabad?
- How will security forces respond to the convoys?
