Violent showdown in Pakistan’s capital pits government against supporters of Imran Khan

ISLAMABAD — Thousands of people are in the heart of Pakistan’s capital demanding the release of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan. He has been behind bars since August 2023 on charges that he and his supporters say are politically motivated.

Authorities deployed thousands of security personnel to blockade the city, suspended phone services, used tear gas and threatened to use live bullets.

This is the second time in as many months that the government has shut down Islamabad and mobilized massive resources to contain Khan’s supporters.

Here’s what’s behind this confusion:

Khan’s star power hasn’t waned even while in prison

Cricket legend Khan may hold huge rallies and send crowds into a frenzy over the claim that he was ousted from power by a conspiracy hatched by the US and his arch-rival Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The Sheriff and Washington deny this.

Khan presents himself as an outsider victimized by the establishment. His opponents say he is a corrupt demagogue who encourages violence. Despite being imprisoned on various charges, Khan has successfully used social media and even artificial intelligence to communicate with people in Pakistan. And they show up in droves, bringing cities to a standstill.

Khan’s wife is released from prison and is leading the march

The march is led by Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, adding the dynamism missing from previous protests. He was being held in a high-security prison on corruption charges until a few weeks ago, when he was released on bail.

Her presence in a convoy of vehicles, combined with her rare public speeches to adoring crowds, was a major factor in attracting supporters in her husband’s absence. The spiritual healer was the driving force behind the latest protest, insisting that he take it from the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Islamabad.

Bibi is Khan’s third wife. The government claimed that she and Khan violated the law, which states that a woman must wait three months before remarrying. She was previously married to a man who claimed they divorced in November 2017, less than three months before she married Khan. Bibi said they divorced in August 2017.

His conviction and imprisonment enraged women and human rights groups in Pakistan, broadening his appeal beyond Khan’s political base.

Government fails to contain mass unrest

Bombardment. Live fire threat. Beating. None of these tactics deter Khan’s supporters.

Authorities tried to prevent them from entering the capital but failed. On Tuesday, they approached Islamabad’s Red Zone, where important government buildings are located and the rally’s destination.

The Home Office said police could decide the level of force needed to deal with protesters. So far the police have acted with restraint. Orders to shoot on sight increase the likelihood of death and increase the likelihood of widespread violence.

The unrest coincides with a visit by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who remains in the Red Zone.

Mayhem and violence may last for days

Pakistan and its capital are no strangers to riots and violence. But in the last two pro-Khan rallies, there was a strong response from the government and an even stronger response from Khan’s political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

The economic costs of even partial lockdowns reach hundreds of millions of dollars each day; these are losses that the cash-strapped country cannot afford.

The government refuses to comply with demands for Khan’s release due to his immense popularity and the threat he poses to the ruling elite.

Meanwhile, Khan’s supporters are promising to do whatever it takes to get him out of prison and back into power, even if it puts their lives in danger.