The situation in Pakistan has suddenly escalated, with tens of thousands of military and police forces placed on high alert as a storm approaches the capital. The National Highway Authority of Pakistan announced an indefinite closure of sections of the M1 and M14 motorways, as well as parts of National Highway N5 near Islamabad, effective from the night of the 23rd, prohibiting all vehicular traffic.
These routes are not only vital transportation corridors but also critical segments of the western leg of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Their prolonged closure will directly disrupt logistics and commercial activities.
The move by Pakistani authorities is aimed at preparing for an impending protest march by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, scheduled for the 27th. The party demands the release of Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned for three years, and the reversal of ongoing government reforms, calling for a return to the previous constitutional order. The government and military have urged PTI to abandon the plan, which was rejected, leaving no alternative but to adopt forceful measures.
Islamabad has already deployed nearly 10,000 active-duty police officers, with additional reinforcements of 9,000 each from Punjab and Sindh provinces, and 6,000 from the Pakistan-administered portion of Kashmir. The total security force now numbers around 25,000, with the inclusion of paramilitary units potentially raising the figure above 50,000. Thousands of shipping containers have been positioned at major road entrances, and multiple sections of road surfaces have been excavated to create defensive trenches. Earlier, two of Imran Khan’s sisters were placed under preventive detention in Lahore for 30 days, yet failed to deter senior PTI leadership.
This confrontation reflects the enduring tension between established political elites and the emerging political force represented by Imran Khan. Once closely aligned with the military, Khan’s relationship with the armed forces deteriorated sharply. In collaboration with the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz faction) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), the military orchestrated his ouster and had him incarcerated in 2023.
Over the past three years, Khan has been sentenced to approximately 60 years in prison across multiple cases. Even if served concurrently, with a maximum cap of 17 years per sentence—minus the three years already served—he still faces a potential remaining term of 14 years. At 73 years old, he may not survive to complete his sentence. Thus, he relies on external pressure from supporters to push for early release.
Meanwhile, military influence has continued to grow in recent years. General Munir, the Chief of Army Staff, has been described by foreign media as effectively the most powerful figure in the country’s political landscape. His proposals for administrative restructuring have alarmed veteran parties such as the PPP, contributing to fissures within the ruling coalition. Coupled with economic stagnation, rising debt levels, and persistent energy insecurity, public sentiment remains highly susceptible to mobilization by opposition groups.
No matter how this current episode concludes, political conflict in Pakistan is unlikely to subside. Deteriorating business conditions, potential disruptions to projects like CPEC, and increased caution among foreign investors are inevitable outcomes. The confrontation between the military and PTI is dragging the country into a protracted, seemingly endless struggle.
Khan’s fate is merely symptomatic. The core issue lies in whether Pakistan can achieve a balance between a military-dominated political structure and the increasingly urgent demands of its population for systemic change. As of now, neither side shows signs of yielding.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1877175467368460/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.