Sat Nov 30 01:45:29 UTC 2024: ## Imran Khan Supporters Clash with Pakistani Security Forces in Islamabad
**ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN** – Tens of thousands of supporters of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan converged on Islamabad today, demanding his release from prison. The demonstration, described as a “long march,” resulted in violent clashes with police and security forces, leaving several injured and reports of fatalities on both sides. The protestors, led by Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi, attempted to reach D-Chowk, the area encompassing key government buildings including the President’s and Prime Minister’s offices, the Supreme Court, and foreign embassies. Security forces forcibly dispersed the crowds.
Khan, imprisoned on corruption charges, has accused the current government of widespread election irregularities and arresting political opponents. He also criticized a constitutional amendment that increases government control over judicial appointments. The government preemptively arrested thousands of PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) party members and restricted internet and social media access in an attempt to thwart the march. Despite these measures, a significant number of supporters still reached the capital.
The demonstration comes amidst Pakistan’s ongoing economic crisis and other internal conflicts, including sectarian violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and separatist attacks on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Balochistan. The situation has drawn international concern, with the United States urging restraint from both sides.
The scale of the march and the logistical support required – including transportation, food, and financial compensation for participants – has fueled speculation about the involvement of unseen external forces providing financial backing. While Khan thanked overseas Pakistanis for their support and demonstrations abroad, analysts suggest that the immense financial resources needed for such a large-scale mobilization could only have been provided by a powerful, unnamed entity with a vested interest in destabilizing Pakistan. Some suggest this entity might be a “deep state” – a shadowy network of powerful figures within the military, intelligence agencies, and arms industry – seeking to leverage the chaos to influence Pakistani politics.
The article speculates on the potential motivations of various international actors: India is unlikely to benefit from instability in Pakistan, China’s CPEC project would be jeopardized, and Western Asian countries have little to gain. The author suggests that a “deep state,” similar to one allegedly responsible for the destabilization of Bangladesh, may be manipulating events in Pakistan. The article concludes by advocating for stricter measures to counter the funding of such movements, highlighting the detrimental effect this instability could have on Pakistan and its neighbors.
First Piper 