In Islamabad, protests for release of Pakistan’s Imran Khan turn deadly

A massive demonstration in Pakistan to demand the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan has turned deadly after security forces clashed with protesters in the capital Islamabad. 

Demonstrators broke through a ring of shipping containers blocking off the heavily guarded capital on Tuesday.

They clashed with security forces despite a government threat to respond with gunfire.

Six people, including four paramilitary soldiers, have died so far.

Security forces have reportedly used live fire in D-Chowk, Islamabad’s Red Zone, where most government buildings are located. 

The zone also houses the most important offices and buildings, including the parliament and an enclave of foreign missions.

Khan tells supporters to ‘fight till the end’

The former prime minister in a message on social media on Tuesday urged his supporters to “fight till the end”. 

Khan issued a statement from his jail cell. “Those who haven't yet joined the protest must also head to D-Chowk.”

PTI supporters plan a sit-in in the Red Zone until the release of Khan.

Marches have originated from several provinces and headed toward the capital, with Khan’s party leading the movement to demand his release. Authorities have used shipping containers to block major roads and streets in Islamabad. 

Islamabad in lockdown as Imran Khan supporters march for his release

The government in Pakistan has put the capital in lockdown as supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan march towards Islamabad to demand his release.

Travel between Islamabad and other cities has become nearly impossible because of shipping containers blocking the roads. All educational institutions remain closed.

Police have arrested more than 4,000 supporters of Khan since November 22 and suspended mobile and internet services in some parts of the country.

The furious protesters also seek the resignation of the current government over what they call rigged general elections earlier this year.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has confirmed that four security personnel lost their lives.

Govt. rejects any possibility of negotiations 

The government has firmly rejected any possibility of negotiations with the PTI protesters. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government has given no indication yet of bending to the demands.

Sharif denounced the protesters as an “anarchist group” deliberately targeting law enforcement personnel. 

Meanwhile, Naqvi accused the PTI protesters of trying to provoke violence, claiming their objective was to cause casualties, a situation the government worked hard to avoid. 

Naqvi said Khan’s party rejected a government offer to rally on the outskirts of the city.

He also referred to Bushra Bibi, wife of the PTI founder Imran Khan, who is leading the protests, as being responsible for instigating the unrest. 

Naqvi threatened that security forces would respond with live fire if protesters fired weapons at them. “We have now allowed police to take any decision according to the situation.”

Information Minister Atta Tarar joined Naqvi in criticizing the protesters, accusing the PTI of using children as human shields and attempting to stir violence. 

Khan’s supporters believe the cases against him are politically-motivated.

Authorities say only courts can order the release of Khan.

He was ousted in 2022 through a no-confidence vote. Khan has been in prison since his first conviction in a graft case in August 2023.

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