Imran Khan's supporters resume march on Islamabad as government blocks routes and health fears grow

From the Newshound archive · first published 5 October 2026.

Fears for Imran Khan's health have intensified after his family said the 73-year-old has largely lost sight in his right eye, with prison authorities having declined to treat the condition — news that has added urgency to a multi-day march on the Pakistani capital. The procession, which drew more than 5,000 supporters when it departed Lakki Marwat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday — travelling in trucks, buses and cars — was due to push on toward Islamabad from around noon local time Monday. The march had initially been delayed to allow negotiations between Khan's PTI party and the federal government, but two rounds of talks broke down without agreement.

Authorities have stacked shipping containers across key Islamabad access routes to block the approaching convoy.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warned PTI's chief minister Sohail Afridi he will be held personally responsible for any deaths during the march.

Khan, jailed since 2023 and confronting well over a hundred separate cases against him, says every accusation is politically motivated.