Supporters of Imran Khan Clash with Security Forces Amid Capital Protests

Tensions escalated in Islamabad as supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan faced significant resistance from security forces during their march toward D Chowk. Despite attempts to reach the densely barricaded area, clashes resulted in multiple casualties, with protests continuing as Khan advocates for his followers to stand firm.

Supporters of imprisoned former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan faced intense opposition from security forces on Tuesday while attempting to breach the barricades surrounding the capital, Islamabad. The protesters have been marching towards D Chowk, also known as Democracy Square, since last weekend, demanding Khan’s release and an end to perceived injustices.

As the protests intensified, reports indicated at least six deaths, including four paramilitary soldiers and two demonstrators, amid the clashes. While some protesters managed to navigate through the stacked shipping containers that blocked their path, security forces eventually regained control of the area.

In the wake of the confrontation, as night fell, the lights in the square were extinguished, leaving only a handful of police and paramilitary forces. A police officer noted that despite a few protesters breaching the three-tier blockade of shipping containers, they were soon pushed back.

Many supporters remained in the vicinity, resorting to burning waste materials to keep warm in the chilling conditions. Muhammad Shahid, attending the protest with his family from Punjab province, voiced their determination: “We’re here to stand up for our fundamental rights. Imran Khan has been illegally arrested, and we will fight to make our voices heard.”

Despite being imprisoned for over a year on charges he deems politically motivated, Khan continues to inspire his followers from behind bars. During the recent elections in February, his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party became the largest bloc, although they failed to secure a majority, prompting claims of election rigging that the government has denied.

Prior to the protests, Khan made a “final call” for supporters to descend on the capital, urging them not to relent until their demands were met. The government swiftly responded by imposing restrictions on gatherings and closing educational institutions in the fear of violent outbreaks, further blocking routes with shipping containers and deploying additional police forces nationwide.

Pakistan’s interior minister asserted that an alternate venue for protests had been offered, which was rejected by demonstrators. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the protests, citing them as a source of violence and disruption. Zulfikar Bukhari, a spokesperson for Khan’s PTI party, claimed at least two protesters lost their lives, one shot and the other in a vehicular incident, with over 50 individuals reported injured in the turmoil.