Thousands Rally in Islamabad Demanding Imran Khan’s Release

Thousands of supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan marched in Islamabad on Sunday, demanding his release from prison, Al Jazeera reported.

Khan has been incarcerated for over a year on charges that his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), claims are politically motivated. The rally marked PTI’s first significant demonstration since the disputed national and regional elections in February.

The protesters demanded Khan’s release from jail, asserting that he is the only leader capable of rescuing the country from “corrupt and incompetent politicians.”

Despite heavy police presence, including shipping containers blocking key entry points and riot police deployed to prevent unrest, supporters persisted. Many activists successfully pushed through barriers to reach the rally. Visuals showed clashes between protesters and police, with attendees reportedly throwing rocks and police responding with tear gas.

This rally was particularly significant as it was the first one permitted by a Pakistani court since Khan’s arrest.