Protests erupt in Islamabad as supporters demand release of Imran Khan

Protests in support of former Prime Minister Imran Khan have intensified in Islamabad, with thousands of supporters marching despite a government lockdown. Khan, imprisoned on corruption charges, faces over 100 criminal cases, which his supporters claim are politically motivated. The government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has responded by sealing off main routes and deploying police and paramilitary forces. Authorities have banned gatherings of five or more people and arrested at least 3,000 PTI members since last week. Despite these measures, protesters have used tractors to clear blocked roads, demonstrating widespread discontent with the current government. The unrest highlights ongoing political instability in Pakistan amid security challenges and economic concerns.