Supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan resumed their march toward Islamabad on Monday, defying roadblocks and heavy police presence. The rally, led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, began its journey from the province on Sunday. Protesters faced numerous obstacles, including highways blocked by shipping containers and barricades. Despite the use of lifting equipment to clear the way, their progress was delayed. Authorities had imposed Section 144, banning gatherings, and deployed police and paramilitary forces to prevent the protest from entering Islamabad.

Khan, serving jail time on multiple convictions, had called for nationwide protests on November 24 to denounce alleged electoral fraud and suppression of his party, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI). Protesters halted overnight in Punjab’s Attock district and resumed their march toward the capital, where police vowed to arrest those attempting to rally. The crackdown has already seen violent clashes in Rawalpindi, with dozens arrested and more than 490 PTI workers detained across Punjab, according to party leaders. Authorities claim measures were necessary to protect Islamabad, especially during the visit of a high-profile Belarusian delegation.

Imran Khan’s PTI, which won the most seats in the February elections despite contesting without an official party symbol, accuses the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and its allies of “stealing the mandate.” Khan has been implicated in over 200 cases since his government was ousted in 2022 through a no-confidence motion. PTI leaders remain resolute in their demand for Khan’s release, with Gandapur urging supporters to “advance and not turn back.” As the political crisis deepens, tensions continue to escalate, raising fears of further unrest in the capital.