By 
27-11-2024
Amna Hafeez
Pakistan Researcher,
Global Human Rights Defence.
The former Prime Minister, Mr. Imran Khan, who has been in detention since August 2023 and is facing upwards of 150 criminal cases, remains immensely popular worldwide. As a matter of fact, the military-backed civilian government tried to suppress his efforts, however Mr. Khan has not backed down and remains steadfast in his plans.
Consequently, Mr. Khan called for nationwide protests on November 24th, 2024, condemning the stolen mandate, the unlawful arrests, and the 26th amendment, which he said has empowered a “dictatorial regime.” The government had warned the protestors to hold the protest near the D-Chowk, making it the primary location for the protest. Nonetheless, Mr. Khan’s supporter’s remained undeterred.
On Saturday November 23rd, 2024, the government enforced a lockdown, obstructing major roads with shipping containers. Internet and cellular services were cut off, to block the dissemination of images and videos of the protest, which the P.T.I. argued disrupted its social media appeal for a protest. The widespread disruption of internet and social media services has severely affected people’s businesses, leading to considerable distress. The unavailability of internet access, coupled with the failure of VPNs, has left individuals unable to stay informed about the situation or the scale of the protests.
Furthermore, hundreds of protestors have been arrested since the protest commenced. Unfortunately, during the protest at least four civilians succumbed to bullet wounds, with over 50 others receiving treatment for various injuries at two government hospitals, according to the hospital officials, however, both Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar denied allegations that the police had opened fire on the protesters. Moreover, tear gas and rubber bullets had been used by the police to control the demonstrators. Nevertheless, the supporters of Mr. Khan removed the roadblocks intended to stop them and played PTI’s anthems and patriotic songs, while Some danced in front of the slow-moving convoy, chanting, “Revolution! Revolution!” and “Prisoner Number 804”.
All of this illustrates just how powerful and influential Mr. Khan is, and the significant impact he has on the people of Pakistan. However, it is anticipated that the unrest will persist for an extended period, and the disruption will not subside anytime soon unless Mr. Khan is released from jail.
Sources and further readings:
CNN, Imran Khan supporters pushed back from heart of barricaded Pakistan Capital.CNN
(November 26, 2024) <Imran Khan supporter protests: Why Pakistan’s capital is on lockdown, with internet shutdowns and thousands marching | CNN > Accessed 26 November 2024.The New York Times, Pakistan Deploys Army in Its Capital as Protesters and Police Clash. The New York Times (November 26, 2024) <Pakistan Deploys Army as Deadly Clashes Erupt with Imran Khan Supporters – The New York Times > Accessed 26 November 2024.
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