Negotiations between Pakistan’s government and the party of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan reached a stalemate on Sunday as both sides failed to resolve key issues ahead of a planned protest in the capital, Islamabad. Supporters of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party vowed to proceed with their demonstration despite the deadlock.

The protest, originally scheduled for September 27 but postponed to Sunday, marks a significant political challenge for the authorities, who have been preparing for weeks to manage the expected influx of demonstrators. In anticipation, Islamabad’s main access routes have been barricaded with double-stacked shipping containers, causing considerable disruption to traffic and public transportation.

Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, an opposition politician affiliated with PTI, characterized the late-stage talks as stalled over unresolved demands. Among the contentious points was access for Khan to meet with his physician. Imran Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023. He is currently facing multiple charges, including corruption, treason, and incitement of violence, allegations linked to a series of pro-Khan riots that erupted in May 2023.

Authorities have emphasized their intent to maintain law and order throughout the protest period, while PTI supporters insist that the demonstration will proceed as planned, reflecting ongoing tensions between the government and Khan’s political faction. The outcome of the planned protest and any further developments in negotiations remain uncertain.