● The “Final Call” protest in Islamabad intensifies, as masses demand Imran Khan’s release and the restoration of the stolen mandate, defying government oppression.
● The relentless surge of protests is closing in on Islamabad, signalling the imminent collapse of the US-backed regime.
The Build-Up to an Unprecedented Movement
Islamabad is witnessing a historic wave of protests as thousands, potentially hundreds of thousands, of Pakistanis converge on the capital to demand the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and the restoration of what they claim is their stolen electoral mandate. The protests, dubbed “The Final Call,” represent one of the largest mass movements in the country’s history, as citizens from every corner of Pakistan rally against a fascist regime guilty of being mandateless and authoritarianism.
Khan, removed from office in 2022 after refusing to comply with U.S. demands, has become a symbol of resistance. He currently faces over 100 politically motivated cases and is being held in a death cell under severe conditions. His supporters see his imprisonment as the result of a regime change operation designed to undermine Pakistan’s sovereignty and suppress democratic voices.
Islamabad Transformed Into a Fortress
The capital has been fortified with unprecedented security measures. Police forces from all provinces have been deployed, and roads leading to Islamabad are blocked with rows of shipping containers, razor wire, and barricades. Reports indicate that explosives were used to cut off certain regions, particularly in northwestern Pakistan, to prevent convoys of protestors from joining the demonstrations.
Despite these challenges, protestors remain determined. They have been seen removing barriers, finding alternative routes, and even crossing rivers to reach the capital. In one notable incident, a convoy led by Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur overcame multiple obstacles. At one point, the group insisted he stay with them, wary of the trust issues that arose after his reported disappearance during a previous protest.
Mass Mobilization Amid Severe Repression
The hurdles faced by protestors go beyond physical barriers. Internet services, including X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, and even Wi-Fi, have been disrupted nationwide, in an attempt to cripplecommunication channels. Reportedly, intelligence officers in civilian clothing have infiltrated groups of protestors to monitor and potentially disrupt their movements as was done on 9th of May 2023, which was a false flag operation used as the “9/11 of Pakistan” to crackdown and crush PTI, the narrative fell apart as social media activists were on top of their game in exposing it globally. Videos have emerged where tear gas shelling, stun grenades, and even shotguns have been used to disperse convoys. Yet, these measures have failed to deter the swelling ranks of demonstrators and the numbers keep on growing.
Convoys are still arriving, with protestors showing extraordinary resilience. One notable convoy crossed the River Ravi to circumvent blocked roads, which symbolizes the determination driving this movement. With many more groups en route, the number of protestors is expected to climb significantly in the coming days, the expected number is said to be upto a 100 ‘000, but time will tell.
A Global Movement Beyond Pakistan
The movement has also galvanized Overseas Pakistanis along with non-Pakistanis, who have organized record-breaking demonstrations in cities like London, Washington, and Toronto. These global protests highlight the widespread frustration with Pakistan’s current political and economic instability. Many expatriates see the struggle as a fight for the country’s independence and the rule of law.
Notably, non-PTI supporters also joined the protests, broadening the movement’s appeal against the brutal fascism of the US backed regime. In Pakistan, prominent voices such as journalist/poet Ahmad Farhad and other intellectuals who openly criticise the government’s heavy-handed tactics, are joining and in turn further legitimizing the protests in the eyes of many.
What Lies Ahead?
As Islamabad transforms into the epicenter of political unrest, the stakes have never been higher. The ongoing siege by protestors appears to be tightening its grip on the capital, with analysts suggesting that this mass movement could potentially suffocate the military-backed regime. The growing momentum and unwavering determination of the protestors make it increasingly probable that the government may have no choice but to release Imran Khan.
This protest, dubbed “The Final Call,” is unlike any before. Imran Khan’s own declarations have set the tone for its uncompromising nature. Calling it a “do-or-die” moment, he told a journalist in a recent statement, “Either I will die in the end or I will be victorious,” reaffirming his resolve. His earlier words from May 2024 echo this sentiment: “All that’s left for them now is to murder me – but I’m not afraid to die.” These bold statements underline the seriousness of the movement and the gravity of what lies ahead.
The coming days will be decisive for Pakistan’s future. Will the US-backed government, which has been known for curbing civil liberties and barring and cracking down on protests supporting Palestine and allegedly buying firewall tech from Israel to gatekeep and spy on their own citizens, maintain its grip on power? Or will Imran Khan, a vocal proponent of Palestinian solidarity and a known advocate against Islamophobia, emerge victorious?
The outcome of this unprecedented protest will determine not only the fate of a leader and his movement but also the trajectory of the world’s only Muslim nuclear state.
