Protests in Islamabad lead to nearly 1,000 arrests as supporters demand Imran Khan's release

Nearly 1,000 protesters were arrested in Islamabad as over 10,000 marched demanding the release of jailed ex-prime minister Imran Khan. The protests defied a lockdown and a ban on gatherings, leading to clashes with 20,000 security forces. Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 amid multiple legal cases. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has continued to rally despite government crackdowns, with this protest being the largest since February's elections. The government faced criticism for its heavy-handed response, including cutting mobile internet and closing schools. Calls for political dialogue have increased to address the ongoing tensions between Khan's supporters and the ruling coalition.