Pakistan's former PM Imran Khan begins march to Islamabad to demand an early election

Thousands expected to join former cricket star as he walks 380km from Lahore to the capital

Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan addresses his supporters at a rally in Lahore. AP Photo

Supporters of Mr Khan's political party Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf on a protest march to Islamabad, in Karachi. EPA

Mr Khan urged his supporters and party members to avoid violence during the 380-kilometre march. EPA

He was unseated as prime minister through a no-confidence vote in the legislature in April. EPA

Since then, he has held protests across the country calling for snap elections, but the government has said they will be held as scheduled in October or November next year. EPA

Mr Khan's supporters in Lahore. EPA

Mr Khan was accused of misusing his 2018 to 2022 premiership to buy and sell gifts in state possession that were received during visits abroad, worth more than $630,000. EPA

Activists take part in the anti-government rally demanding early elections in Peshawar. AFP

Political instability has fuelled economic uncertainty, with international ratings agencies questioning if the current government can maintain difficult economic policies amid political pressure and looming elections. AFP

Mr Khan's so-called 'long march' is piling pressure on a government already in crisis. AFP

Supporters of Mr Khan. EPA

Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters in buoyant mood in Lahore, before the start of the 400-kilometre march. AFP

Mr Khan claims state institutions colluded with opponents to oust him. AFP

The Tehreek-e-Insaf marchers aim to reach the capital on November 4.

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan on Friday launched his "long march" to the capital Islamabad to demand early elections.

Thousands are expected to join the former cricket star for the 380-kilometre march — stopping for rallies — from Lahore over the next week.

Mr Khan was removed from his role as premier in April after a no-confidence vote but remains hugely popular in the country.

"We need to rid the country of looters and thieves who are taking the country's money for their own interests," Muhammad Mazhar, 36, who arrived in Lahore on Friday for the march, told AFP.

"We need to save the country and change this system, so I am supporting Imran Khan."

Clashes between Mr Khan's supporters and police broke out during a similar protest in May.

Security has been tightened in Islamabad for the march, with hundreds of shipping containers positioned at key intersections to stop marchers from storming the government enclave.

Pakistan's ruling coalition government is under pressure as the economy suffers in the aftermath of floods that left a third of the country under water, which will cost $30 billion to put right.

Mr Khan was voted into power in 2018 on an anti-corruption platform, but his mishandling of the economy and fall-out with the military led to his downfall.

Since then, he has faced several legal challenges.

On Thursday, the head of the country's main intelligence service and chief of military public relations held a press conference to defend the institutions against Mr Khan's accusations that they were meddling in politics.

Pakistan has been ruled by the military for much of its 75-year history. Criticism of the security establishment has long been seen as a red line.

"I am not afraid of anything, including arrest," Mr Khan said in a video message released on Thursday night.

"People want just one role of the establishment ... free and fair elections as this is the only way out".

The establishment has been under further scrutiny this week after the killing of journalist Arshad Sharif by police in Kenya, where he had fled to avoid sedition charges.

Kenyan officials say Sharif's death was a case of mistaken identity, but it has spawned speculation of a targeted killing and the Pakistan government has ordered an official inquiry.

The funeral of Sharif, a strident critic of Pakistan's military establishment, was attended by tens of thousands of Khan supporters chanting "Arshad, your blood will bring revolution".

Mr Khan has held a series of well-attended rallies demonstrating his popularity. Earlier this month he contested and won five out of six by-elections.