The troubled leader has been behind bars for more than a year, accused of crimes that his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party fiercely denounces as politically motivated and false.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad to loudly call for the immediate release of former prime minister Imran Khan in a spectacular show of popular support.

The troubled leader has been behind bars for more than a year, accused of crimes that his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party fiercely denounces as politically motivated and false.

Following the divisive national and local elections held in February, Khan’s PTI party planned a massive protest that represented a noteworthy demonstration of strength and resiliency, according to Al Jazeera. The incident was a powerful reminder of Khan’s followers’ steadfast devotion and allegiance.

Viral photos and videos that conveyed the enormity of the protest flooded social media site X.

Videos captured the fervent protesters from all around the nation gathering in Islamabad, highlighting the general dissatisfaction with the status quo in politics.

Chants and slogans that echoed the demonstrators’ unshakeable resolve to securing Khan’s freedom and preserving democratic principles filled the air as the masses grew.

The protest was a loud criticism of the way the government was treating Khan’s case, with many of the attendees holding signs and banners criticising what they saw as the politicisation of justice.

In the address that kicked off the rally, Khan’s close aide Hammad Azhar declared, “We will not rest until Khan is released from jail.”

The PTI leader and well-known lawyer from Lahore, Salman Akram Raja, said that Khan is the only one who can save Pakistan from the “clutches of corrupt and incompetent politicians”.

The administration of Islamabad had put in place strict security measures to keep things under control and avert any unrest, which had the effect of blocking off important entry points into the city.

To prevent demonstrators from congregating in large numbers, authorities had barricaded the entry routes with strategically placed shipping containers and riot police officers.

Nonetheless, scores of committed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activists succeeded in overcoming the administrative roadblock in a stunning demonstration of tenacity and will.

“It was somewhat challenging to get to the rally. Every road was closed. But we’re not giving up. It is not conceivable if Imran Khan calls for protests and we do not show up. Al Jazeera was told by PTI supporter Robina Ghafoor, “We are with him till our last breath.”

In a statement, an Islamabad police spokeswoman said that the demonstrators had injured numerous police officers, including a senior official, by throwing stones at them.

A no-trust vote in April 2022 resulted in Khan’s removal from office. Khan was a former cricket player.

He was taken into custody in August of 2023 and is scheduled to go on trial on May 9 of the same year for allegedly inciting violence.