Supporters of Imran Khan of Pakistan, Tehreek-e-Insaf, took to the streets in support of their leader

Pakistan: Protests broke out both in Pakistan and throughout the world as supporters of Imran Khan, the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), went to the streets to show their support for their leader.

In support of Imran Khan’s #FinalCall, PTI members gathered in Mississauga, Canada, joining more than 60 other places around the globe in concurrent demonstrations against “Pakistan’s authoritarian regime.”

“Diaspora in Mississauga, Canada, also came out to show solidarity with Imran Khan’s #FinalCall!” the PTI tweeted in a post shared on X. Protests against Pakistan’s authoritarian rogue administration took place simultaneously in more than 60 sites worldwide.

In a separate tweet, the party said, “Overseas Pakistanis living in Canada have recorded protests in four cities on the call of their leader Imran Khan and demanded the immediate release of Imran Khan and other political prisoners!”

“Youth is a way of thinking! “Photo from today’s PTI Chicago Protest!” PTI said in another post.

“To express their support for Imran Khan, Pakistani international students in Chicago are taking part in a demonstration and automobile parade. In Pakistan and outside, people of all ages are showing their support for Imran Khan. “It’s time for him to be released!” wrote the PTI.

The PTI also praised Imran Khan, describing him as a person who, in spite of being imprisoned, never stops inspiring and motivating the country. PTI’s commendation coincided with a large-scale demonstration in Islamabad by the party’s followers calling for Khan’s release.

“While confined in a 6×8 prison cell, the captain, the leader, the philanthropist, the educationist, the mentor, the idol, and the legend who has not only terrified the rogue, fascist regime into shutting down an entire country, but also massively mobilized an entire nation, not only inside the country, but all around the globe!” this is what the PTI wrote in a post on X. That’s the strength of the guy—the strength of his words, the strength of his beliefs! Imran Khan Niazi is his name, and he has triumphed.

Ali Amin Gandapur, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has been moving closer to Islamabad in the meanwhile. On X, the PTI party said, “As early as the morning, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur started advancing with the convoy, destination only Islamabad.”

Due to the PTI demonstration at D-Chowk, all of Islamabad’s educational institutions will be closed today. Police officers will be on standby near D-Chowk, according to Geo News.

Earlier, when it traveled from Swabi to Islamabad via Punjab, a sizable caravan of PTI supporters headed by Gandapur and opposition leader Omar Ayub ran into fierce opposition from police authorities.

As police tried to disperse the PTI supporters heading towards the capital, the convoys came under heavy tear gas firing at the Attock Bridge, Chach Interchange, and Ghazi Barotha Canal, according to The Express Tribune.

The PTI convoys reached Punjab territory from Swabi and at first encountered peaceful progress. However, in order to block their passage, authorities used a lot of tear gas close to important checkpoints. Law enforcement sought to stop the convoys at these locations, requiring the PTI supporters to encounter opposition before they could proceed.

Gandapur emphasized in his speech to the gathering that the march will continue till the release of PTI founder Imran Khan. His declaration, “We must advance and not turn back until Imran Khan is released,” inspired the fans to keep going in spite of the delays brought on by police action. Later, when he spoke to the group once again in Ghazi, he advised them to be ready for further opposition.

Gandapur reaffirmed the dedication to the cause by saying, “Be ready, because we will have to face more opposition in the future.”

Party members had differing opinions on the convoy, which was momentarily stopped at Ghazi Bridge. Chief Minister Gandapur suggested that they take a break before engaging in any conflict. Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, was angry over the hold-ups and urged the caravan to go without further delay. “Time is being wasted,” she said while speaking from her car, urging supporters to remain in their cars and move quickly.She implored, “Stay in your vehicles so we can reach there quickly,” emphasizing the need to go forward immediately. “Khan’s return is our goal. She emphasized the primary emphasis on winning her husband’s release by saying, “Let’s move without delay.”

Under Imran Khan’s leadership, the PTI has been planning the march towards Islamabad and intends to stage a demonstration at D-Chowk. According to The Express Tribune, the demonstration, which the PTI characterizes as a campaign for justice and freedom, has heightened political tensions as party members and supporters have been more outspoken over Imran Khan’s imprisonment.

Despite efforts by the government to stop the demonstration, PTI has called for people to assemble at D-Chowk. Citing court orders, the Interior Ministry has emphasized that demonstrations would not be allowed in Islamabad and threatened to take legal action against any infraction.

In a similar event, Punjab Police detained PTI leaders Zain Qureshi and Aamir Dogar at Multan’s Qadirpurra Toll Plaza. Tensions were further made worse by the arrests as PTI moved forward with its demonstration preparations. The PTI leadership has maintained its position in spite of the government’s initiatives, which include barricading Islamabad and blocking important routes. “We will bring our private machinery to remove obstacles and reach Islamabad,” Gandapur said, reaffirming that nothing would stop them from staging the demonstration at D-Chowk.

In order to prepare for the demonstration, the authorities erected barricades across the city, sealed off important arteries, and strongly fortified Islamabad. Rangers and Frontier Constabulary were among the security personnel stationed in critical regions, particularly the Red Zone.

Containers have been positioned along the roadways leading into the city, and authorities have blocked access to vital sites including D-Chowk and Islamabad Airport. The actions have resulted in severe disruption since key roads have been blocked and public transportation has been suspended, preventing residents from moving freely across the area.

The prospect of extremists breaching the Pakistan-Afghanistan border has prompted terrorism alerts, and hospitals have been put on high alert in preparation of possible turmoil. Preemptive arrests have been made of PTI employees in advance of the protest.

According to The Express Tribune, many PTI members, including former MNA Nafisa Khattak, were taken into custody late Friday night, while others were arrested in Lahore and other Punjabi cities.
The Ministry of Interior has announced that internet and mobile data services may be halted in high-risk areas to mitigate any disruptions. This is to protect important locations and stop the dissemination of information that can incite unrest.

However, because of the extensive bottlenecks that have negatively affected everyday routines and transportation networks, the public has become extremely frustrated with the government’s security efforts.