Pakistan tightens security ahead of PTI march demanding Imran Khan’s release

Pakistani authorities have tightened security and detained relatives of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan ahead of a planned protest by his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party demanding his release, according to reports from Deutsche Welle and Al Jazeera English.

Al Jazeera reported that highways leading to the capital have been blocked and shipping containers positioned as barriers in preparation for the march. The measures indicate an effort by the government to restrict access to the city and prevent a large opposition gathering.

Khan’s sons told Deutsche Welle that their father is in poor health and has been isolated from relatives and doctors while in custody. Their assertions about his health and access to medical care were not independently verified in the material provided. Deutsche Welle also reported that other members of Khan’s family had been detained before the protest.

The security restrictions and reported detentions come amid continuing tensions between Pakistani authorities and PTI supporters over Khan’s imprisonment. The two reports do not provide details about the legal basis for the relatives’ detention, the precise timing or route of the planned march, or an official government response to the family’s claims. No protest turnout or clashes were reported in the supplied material.