Violence in Pakistan

Tense situation in Pakistan – shipping container roadblocks

Tensions have been high in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, this week ahead of a major planned protest in support of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, according to multiple media reports.

Highways have been blocked off with shipping containers, tens of thousands of police officers have been deployed, and arrest warrants issued in an effort to halt the march. The protest was called due to growing concern over the treatment of Khan—who faces corruption charges—in prison, where he has been held since 2023.

The march was originally scheduled for Sunday but has now been postponed by a week to October 4. However, Zulfi Bukhari, a spokesperson for Khan’s party, the PTI, says it could be moved to an earlier date.

"We can do it whenever it suits us. The question is, how long is the government willing to keep the country sealed off?" he told Reuters.

At least eleven killed in bombing in Pakistan

At least eleven people have been killed after a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device in a car in Pakistan, the AP reports.

The attack took place at a checkpoint in Dera Ismail Khan, in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of northwestern Pakistan. Around 30 people were injured; many have been taken to hospital with critical injuries.

The Pakistani Taliban movement, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has claimed responsibility for the attack, according to TT. Just a few days ago, 15 people were killed and 56 injured in a similar incident at a mosque. The TTP claimed responsibility for that attack as well.