Pakistan’s preparations to block supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan from entering Islamabad have disrupted freight movement across the country. Shipping containers are accumulating in Karachi, 1,400 kilometres (870 miles) from the capital, as truckers fear police will seize their vehicles and use the containers to barricade roads. Authorities requisitioned more than 2,000 vehicles in September, with many held for days while still carrying cargo and receiving little or no compensation. The disruption affects routes to Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Peshawar and Attock, while some operators have stopped beyond Gujranwala or taken alternative roads. Transporters also face demurrage (charges for delayed container use) of 30,000 to 40,000 rupees ($110 to $150) per container per day, alongside missed deliveries and idle trucks. The measures precede an Oct. 4 march planned by Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf opposition party to demand his release. His convictions have largely been suspended or overturned, with appeals pending, while the party remains under state scrutiny. Transport representatives say they are seeking a solution and could hold their own protest if complaints remain unresolved.