Pakistan locks down capital ahead of march to free Imran Khan
Updated . First published at
Australian travellers are being warned of a major security crackdown in Pakistan, where supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan are preparing to march.
Members of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party are planning to march 180 kilometres from Peshawar to the nation’s capital, Islamabad, on Sunday, October 4, reports Reuters.
Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan giving a press conference at his home in Lahore, Pakistan a few months before he was jailed in 2023. AP
In the past few days, Pakistan’s federal government has locked down Islamabad by installing shipping containers across highways and deploying tens of thousands of security forces.
Three of Khan’s sisters and hundreds of party activists have also been detained by authorities.
PTI members originally planned to begin the mass protest last Sunday.
But a party spokesman said they could start the march whenever they liked in coming days.
Pakistani soldiers walk on the site following a bomb explosion at a mosque in Kohat, in north-western Pakistan, on Friday, September 18. (AP Photo/Muhammad Sajjad)
“The question is to the government, as to how long they’re willing to keep the country closed off?” the supporter group said in a statement.
Khan, 73, a former cricket captain of Pakistan and international star, was ousted by parliament in 2022.
He was jailed the following year on corruption charges. His supporters claim they were false and he is a political prisoner.
The Australian government on Tuesday warned its citizens and Pakistani Australian dual nationals to avoid large gatherings because of the threat of violence.
Pakistani authorities may implement security measures and movement restrictions, which could cause transport, communication and travel disruptions.
Travellers to Pakistan are also being warned to remain vigilant about potential terrorist attacks following clashes between Pakistan and its neighbour Afghanistan.
Australians of Afghan heritage may face increased scrutiny by authorities in Pakistan, including questioning or detention, even when holding valid visas.
“The security situation remains unpredictable and can deteriorate with little or no warning,” the Smartraveller update said.
“Terrorist and separatist groups hostile to foreign interests operate in Pakistan. The threat of terrorist attacks and kidnapping remains very high.”
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