Islamabad is preparing for widespread protests calling for the release of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Authorities have arrested at least 4,000 of his supporters in an effort to prevent the demonstrations, which have gained momentum in the wake of Khan's imprisonment.

Thousands of supporters of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned since August of the previous year, have defied a government-imposed lockdown and widespread arrests to march towards the capital, Islamabad, in a demand for his release.

On Monday, hundreds of protestors reached the outskirts of Islamabad, according to officials from Khan's party. At the same time, reports of violence from other locations surfaced, highlighting the tense situation. This protest is part of a series of demonstrations Khan's political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has organized since his incarceration.

The rally follows two days of stringent security measures put in place by the authorities to prevent the protests. Key highways leading into the capital have been barricaded, public gatherings banned, and mobile phone and internet services blocked in certain areas deemed to be security risks, according to the Interior Ministry. However, they did not specify which areas were affected or how long these measures would remain in place.

In the eastern province of Punjab, all public transport between cities and terminals has been suspended in an effort to prevent Khan's supporters from reaching Islamabad. The protesters, led by PTI members, were heavily impeded by these restrictions. Punjab's provincial government spokesperson, Uzma Bukhari, revealed that nearly 80% of Khan's supporters had been arrested. Local police reported that approximately 4,000 people, including five members of parliament, had been detained.

Authorities have made it clear they will not allow the protesters to breach the capital. Additionally, Islamabad was placed under heightened security in anticipation of a visit by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who is scheduled to arrive on Monday.

PTI officials have accused the current government of using violent tactics to disperse the crowds. The party claims that hundreds of its supporters and leaders have been arrested in the process. The most recent PTI-led protest in Islamabad, which occurred in October, turned violent, further escalating tensions.

Imran Khan was removed from office in 2022 following a dispute with Pakistan's powerful military, which has since contributed to the legal battles he faces, including charges of corruption and inciting violence. Both Khan and his party have denied these accusations.