Hundreds of supporters of jailed former PM Imran Khan are marching towards Islamabad, Pakistan is voicing its dissent against the incumbent. Shehbaz Sharif Govt demanded the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader.
The government is determined to crack down on the protests with force, which was initially set for November 24. However, the convoys stalled overnight after PTI leaders announced they were “in no rush” to reach the federal capital for their high-stakes protest. Meanwhile, activists and supporters across the country are joining demonstrations to try to resist arrests, lathicharges and tear gas.
The United States urged Pakistani authorities and thousands of protesters marching toward the capital to exercise restraint.
“We call on the protesters to demonstrate peacefully and refrain from violence and at the same time, we call on the Pakistani authorities to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms and ensure respect for the laws and constitution of Pakistan as they work to maintain law and order. ” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters.
The protests, so far, have seen the death of one cop, with many injured on both sides. Internet and mobile services have been shut down as the government is determined to suppress this “well-thought-out conspiracy”.
More than 1,257 party workers have been detained, and around 200 have been arrested while trying to march towards Islamabad in response to the party’s call for action, according to ARY news.
When Khan invited Tipu Sultan to announce the protest
In a rallying call to the nation, Imran Khan declared November 24 as “Freedom from Slavery” day, emphasizing the suspension of the rule of law, constitution and human rights in the country.
“November 24th is Emancipation Day. The rule of law, constitution and human rights are suspended in Pakistan, forcing the nation to come out to protest and sacrifice. The nation must decide whether to wear the yoke of slavery like Bahadur Shah Zafar or the crown of freedom like Tipu Sultan,” he said in a post on X.
The former prime minister has claimed that his imprisonment is part of a political strategy designed by the military and the ruling government to prevent him from regaining power. Khan and his PTI party have also alleged widespread fraud in the February elections, where they claim they won the popular vote, and are now calling for free and fair elections.
What is Bushra Bibi’s Saudi Arabia connection?
Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi in Pakistan’s Punjab province has been charged with religious hatred, misleading people and attacking the kingdom of Saudi Arabia through her statements, which Khan claims were “deliberately taken out of context.”
At least four cases were registered under the Telegraph Act of 1885 and other legal provisions after a video statement in which, Bibi claimed that the problems faced by her husband started after their visit to Medina, where he would step out of his plane without shoes. were seen.
“Immediately after Khan’s return, former army chief Bajwan started getting calls Ye Tum Kya Utha Ki Le Aye Ho (Who have you brought)? We are destroying the Sharia system in this country and you have brought the promoters of Sharia,” he said in the video.
Rejecting the allegations, Khan said, “Bushra Bibi’s statement was deliberately taken out of context to drag our brother country KSA into an unnecessary controversy. She did not mention Saudi Arabia at all.”
Ruler and ruled coming face to face is a déjà vu for South Asia while Bangladesh recently witnessed the ouster of its serving PM Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India after violent protests on the streets of the Indian neighbour.