Supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan have taken to the streets in a coordinated march that is expected to reach the outskirts of Islamabad within days. The movement, which began on Sunday in Lakki Marwat—about 275 km (170 miles) from the capital—reflects both the political clout of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) party and the deepening health concerns surrounding the 74‑year‑old leader.

Background

Imran Khan, a former cricket star who served as Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 to 2022, was sentenced to 17 years in prison on corruption charges last year. He faces more than 100 cases, ranging from leaking state secrets to alleged misuse of state gifts, which he and his supporters describe as politically motivated. Khan’s imprisonment has repeatedly sparked large‑scale protests, some of which turned violent, resulting in at least eight deaths and a military response.

The March

According to the BBC report, roughly 5,000 people marched on Sunday, waving the red and green PTI flags. The march was paused for the night and is slated to resume on Monday. Provincial chief minister Sohail Afridi of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a PTI‑governed province, said the procession should reach a town about 80 km west of Islamabad by Thursday, indicating a clear trajectory toward the capital.

While the PTI has not officially announced Islamabad as the march’s destination, authorities have responded by stacking shipping containers on key access routes, suggesting anticipation of a push toward the capital.

Political Implications

The march underscores the PTI’s continued influence despite Khan’s incarceration. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi accused Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s chief minister of “sabotaging” negotiations, highlighting tensions between provincial and federal authorities. The PTI has demanded immediate medical examination for Khan and unfettered access to him for political consultations, claims that have been rebuffed by the government.

Health Concerns

Khan’s health has become a focal point of the protests. His family alleges that he has lost most of the vision in his right eye due to inadequate medical care in prison. In August, he was briefly transferred to a state‑run hospital for a medical check‑up, after which doctors declared him “medically fit.” However, the PTI and Khan’s relatives have criticized the authorities for ignoring a court order that required his examination at a specific private hospital.

Analysis

The march’s progression toward Islamabad signals a strategic effort by the PTI to pressure the federal government into conceding to its demands—chiefly, Khan’s release and improved medical treatment. By mobilising thousands and moving the protest closer to the seat of power, the PTI hopes to leverage public sympathy and international attention. The government’s pre‑emptive blocking of routes suggests it is wary of a potential escalation that could mirror past violent protests, which have previously resulted in deaths and a heavy military presence.

Uncertainty

Several variables remain unclear. First, the exact endpoint of the march is not officially confirmed; organizers have not announced a definitive plan to enter Islamabad. Second, the response of security forces to a possible breach of the capital’s perimeter is unknown, especially given past incidents where protests turned deadly. Finally, the health status of Imran Khan continues to be contested, with conflicting reports from his family and the prison medical staff.

Conclusion

As the PTI‑led march advances, Pakistan stands at a crossroads where political dissent, judicial proceedings, and health concerns intersect. The outcome will likely hinge on whether the government chooses dialogue over confrontation, and whether the PTI can sustain its mobilising momentum without triggering further violence.