Pakistan is experiencing frequent protests and violent crackdowns, with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) (Imran Khan’s party) clashing with the military-backed government.
Recently PTI supporters marched towards Islamabad after Imran Khan called for protests, demanding his release and that of other party leaders.
The government, led by PM Shehbaz Sharif, took strong preventive measures by arresting PTI workers, blocking city entrances with containers, and deploying tens of thousands of security forces.
Despite these efforts, many protesters reached the main protest area, D-Chowk, before being pushed back.
However, the PTI's demands remain unchanged, and further protests could follow.
Despite a government crackdown, PTI remains powerful, especially with Khan’s influence. PTI candidates, running as independents, became the largest bloc in Pakistan’s new Parliament.
Khan claims the 2022 elections were rigged, with the government using military backing to form a coalition.
Pakistan is struggling with a severe economic crisis — hyperinflation, a falling currency, and low reserves — compounded by political instability
The military and government have resisted any compromise with PTI or Khan, but efforts to break their influence have had limited success.
Despite being jailed, Khan continues to challenge the government, showing the need for the establishment to consider the demands of pro-democracy protesters for both political stability and economic recovery.
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