Talks with government on Imran Khan’s release fail, PTI begins march toward Islamabad

ISLAMABAD, The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has begun a march toward Islamabad demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, after talks with the government ended without result.
The party decided to go ahead with its previously announced march, whose first phase started from Lakki Marwat district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, from where the convoy will move on with workers from other districts. Besides Khan’s release, PTI is demanding that he be moved to a hospital and that his family be allowed to meet him.
The government says the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is worrying due to rising militant attacks, and had urged that the march be postponed on that basis. Two rounds of talks were held to stop the march, but no agreement was reached. Containers and other barriers have been placed on some key routes leading to Islamabad. Prime Minister’s adviser Rana Sanaullah said protesters will not be allowed to enter the capital.
According to PTI, Khan has been in jail since 2023 and the cases against him are politically motivated, a charge the government rejects. He was removed as prime minister in April 2022 through a parliamentary no-confidence vote. PTI also alleged rigging in the February 2024 elections, which the government denies. Past protests by Khan’s supporters have turned violent, so security during the march remains a focus of attention.