Supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan clashed with security forces in Islamabad on Tuesday, breaking through barriers and engaging in violent confrontations. The protests, which have been ongoing since Sunday, have resulted in six fatalities and numerous injuries.
Khan, who has been in jail for over a year and faces more than 150 criminal cases, is a popular figure in Pakistan. His party claims that the charges against him are politically motivated. Despite government warnings and heavy security presence, protesters continue to demand his release.
The army has taken control of D-Chowk in downtown Islamabad, where key government buildings are located. The situation escalated as security forces fired warning shots, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi threatened to use live ammunition if necessary.
Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, is leading the protests and has been making her way towards the heavily guarded square in a convoy. Protesters have vowed to remain on the streets until Khan is released, with one individual stating that any violence from security forces would be met with a similar response.
Police have used tear gas to disperse crowds, and there have been reports of attacks on journalists covering the events. The government has taken measures to restrict communication channels, including suspending mobile and internet services in certain areas.
Despite arrests of over 4,000 Khan supporters and a court order banning rallies in the capital, demonstrators have continued to gather, displaying the flag of Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. The ongoing unrest has disrupted normal life in Islamabad, with educational institutions closed and travel severely impacted.
The situation remains tense as both protesters and security forces stand their ground, with the fate of Imran Khan hanging in the balance.
