Sun Nov 24 09:48:18 UTC 2024: ## Imran Khan’s Party Defies Crackdown, Proceeds with Islamabad March

**ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN** – Despite a heavy government crackdown, including road closures, internet disruptions, and the deployment of paramilitary forces, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, proceeded with its planned march on Islamabad on Sunday.

The protest, dubbed a “march to break the shackles of slavery,” aims to pressure the government to release Khan and other PTI leaders, address alleged election rigging in February, and revoke a recent constitutional amendment affecting judicial appointments. The government has banned protests in Islamabad, warning of legal action against any violations.

Authorities have taken significant measures to thwart the march, sealing off major roads leading to the capital’s Red Zone and deploying Rangers, police, and Frontier Constabulary. Train services between major cities have been suspended, and internet and mobile services have been partially disrupted in several areas. Section 144, prohibiting public gatherings, is in effect in Islamabad and Punjab province.

While Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, will not participate in the march itself, she will oversee operations from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s House. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur is leading the PTI’s contingent.

The march comes amid heightened tensions between the PTI and the ruling coalition government, fueled by Khan’s arrest and allegations of election fraud. Khan, who remains incarcerated, has been implicated in numerous cases since his ouster in 2022. The PTI won the most seats in the February elections but alleges the PML-N-led coalition stole the mandate. The protest coincides with the arrival of a large Belarusian delegation in Pakistan.

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