The demonstrators, largely affiliated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), occupied the crossing linking Punjab with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, halting traffic for hours and stranding long lines of vehicles. The protest followed calls from provincial leaders demanding Khan’s release from prison, where he has been held since August 2023.

Security officials said Asim Munir, head of the Pakistan Army, ordered roughly 5,000 troops mobilized from Islamabad, Peshawar, and Rawalpindi cantonments to prevent further escalation. Authorities have not confirmed whether forces will attempt to clear the bridge by force, but officials described the situation as “under close monitoring.”

The unrest coincided with an announcement by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s chief minister that a youth volunteer group—described by organizers as an “Imran Release Force”—would be formed to campaign for Khan’s freedom. Separately, a group identified as Tehrik-e-Tahafuz Party declared plans to march toward the capital in solidarity.

Khan is serving a 14-year sentence in a corruption case and is being held at Adiala Jail along with his wife Bushra Bibi, who is also convicted in related proceedings. More than 100 legal cases have been filed against the former leader since his removal from office, with several still pending in Pakistani courts. Khan and his party deny wrongdoing and say the charges are politically motivated.

Analysts say tensions reflect a widening rift between PTI supporters and the country’s powerful military establishment. Khan had previously dismissed Munir from a senior intelligence post during his tenure, a move widely viewed as contributing to strained relations that later intensified after his ouster.

Some commentators argue international pressure could influence the situation, though there is little sign of intervention from foreign capitals, including Washington. Observers note that without negotiations between the government, military leadership, and PTI, demonstrations could spread to other transport corridors and urban centers.

For now, the blockade underscores the volatility of Pakistan’s political climate. With major highways disrupted and rival factions mobilizing, authorities face mounting pressure to restore order while avoiding further confrontation that could deepen divisions.