On Monday, Pakistani police fired tear gas canisters at supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan as they attempted to enter the capital city of Islamabad for a sit-in protest demanding his release. The demonstrators, who had traveled a considerable distance from the northwest, defied lockdown orders and previous attempts to disperse them with tear gas and arrests.
The clash occurred as the leadership of Khan's party proceeded with a planned 'long march' while Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko was visiting Pakistan. The situation escalated with reports of casualties on both sides, including a police officer killed and several injuries.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that the government was open to allowing Khan's supporters to rally on the outskirts of Islamabad but warned of severe measures if they attempted to enter the city. Khan, who has been in jail for over a year facing numerous criminal cases, remains a popular figure with his party claiming the charges against him are politically motivated.
The tense standoff has disrupted travel between Islamabad and other cities, with security measures causing significant disruptions along key highways. Despite the obstacles, protesters have shown determination to reach Islamabad, with reports of them removing shipping containers blocking the roads.
The situation remains fluid as negotiations between the government and Khan's party continue in an effort to prevent further violence. The ongoing protests have raised concerns about the impact on Pakistan's economy, with some economists estimating significant financial losses due to the unrest.
As the standoff persists, the fate of Imran Khan and the outcome of the protests remain uncertain, with the government emphasizing that only the courts can decide on his release. The political turmoil surrounding Khan's imprisonment and the escalating tensions in Islamabad highlight the deep divisions within Pakistani society.
