Supporters of Imran Khan were planning to march to Islamabad today, where the former Pakistan prime minister is in custody, raising fears of more clashes with security forces.
His arrest yesterday during a court appearance marked a dramatic escalation of political tensions that has pitted Khan, ousted after a no-confidence vote in April last year, against the country’s powerful army.
At least one person was killed when protesters clashed with soldiers in Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan province. Dozens across the country were injured.
Khan’s party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), called for nationwide protests.
Supporters in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province were asked to gather early on Wednesday in Swabi city to leave for Islamabad as part of a convoy, PTI wrote on Twitter. At least 60 people were arrested in Islamabad, the capital city, while 23 were held in Karachi.