Khan and Canada-based firebrand cleric Tahirul Qadri have been protesting for the last six days demanding Prime Minister Sharif's resignation, putting the PML-N-led government on the backfoot.
"Promise me, if something were to happen to me, you will take revenge from Nawaz Sharif," Khan said while addressing his supporters before starting his march towards the Red Zone that houses important government buildings including the Parliament House, Prime Minister House, President House, the Supreme Court besides embassies of various countries.
Anti-government protesters, walking in separate groups headed by Khan and Qadri, were armed with wire cutters and cranes accompanied them to remove containers as they marched on Pakistan's Parliament.
Prime Minister Sharif has said he will not resign under any circumstance, Dawn News reported quoting sources.
As the protesters marched towards the Parliament, Sharif was present inside the official residence in the 'Red Zone' along with senior leaders of his ruling PML-N party. He is personally keeping a tab on the developing situation.
The two had announced to lead the marches separately but took same route and were marching close to each other.
Army contingents had taken positions in the Red Zone with the 111 Brigade -- often been used to secure Islamabad as well as used in military takeovers -- deployed in the area. Drones also covered the march as it advanced.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
