From Italy to Islamabad, massive PTI protests stun analysts

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) organised large-scale protests on November 24, in the US, the UK, Italy, and Australia, while rallies and caravans from across Pakistan headed towards Islamabad to demand the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail.

In response, the federal government, alongside the administration in Punjab, imposed strict roadblocks, sealing entry and exit points in Islamabad and Lahore.

Police contingents were deployed at all key locations to prevent any movement.

Crucial routes were blocked with containers, and the government dug trenches in several areas to deter rallies and caravans from reaching the capital.

Sindh and Balochistan governments enforced Section 144 and implemented stringent security measures across their regions.

Meanwhile, internet services were partially suspended throughout the country on Sunday, with live metrics showing restricted WhatsApp services, confirming reports of media-sharing problems.

Despite these stringent measures, PTI supporters rallied in defiance of the roadblocks, heeding the call of their imprisoned leader.

They took to the streets in convoys led by local party leaders, removing obstacles along their routes.

Overseas PTI supporters also organised massive rallies. In the UK, a huge protest took place outside 10 Downing Street in London. Rallies were also held in Melbourne, Australia, and Brescia, Italy.

Ahead of the high-stakes protest in Islamabad, US-based PTI supporters gathered outside former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, demanding the release of Imran Khan. They believe that Trump could influence Pakistani authorities to free their leader.

Protests took place in New York’s Times Square and at Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

Political analysts were impressed by Imran Khan's enduring political appeal, noting that his ‘final call’ for action prompted his followers to defy government restrictions and warnings of potential arrests.