Thousands Defy Pakistan Crackdown to Rally for Imran Khan’s Release

Credit: swiss-image.ch

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Thousands of supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan defied a government lockdown and violent police opposition to march to the outskirts of Islamabad, Pakistan, on Monday evening and demand his release, the latest escalation of political tensions.

At least one officer was killed, and several officers and demonstrators were injured, the government said.

Mr. Khan, who has been in jail since August of 2023 and faces more than 150 criminal cases, remains hugely popular despite attempts by the military-backed civilian government to suppress his support. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, or P.T.I., says the cases are politically motivated.