Violences Break Out as Imran Khan Followers Clash with Police in Islamabad, Resulting in Several Deaths During Protests
Violence has broken out in the capital city of Islamabad, as supporters of Pakistan's deposed former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, clashed with security forces. The protest, organized by PTI, or Imran Khan's party, has led to several casualties, including the death of four security personnel. Thousands of PTI supporters pushed their way through police blockades and tear gas to march into the capital, demanding the immediate release of Imran Khan, who has spent more than a year behind bars since his conviction for corruption.
The clash, which grew more violent on Tuesday, saw protesters overrunning Islamabad, pushing past barricades and security personnel who tried to disperse the crowds. As tensions mounted, reports said four security officers were killed when they were rammed by a vehicle. Unconfirmed reports said a civilian and a policeman also died in separate incidents.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif decried the violence. He termed it as "extremism" while strengthening the government's claim that such protests cannot be termed as peaceful. "It is not a peaceful protest. It is extremism," Sharif said while responding to the flaring violence. Protests continued despite warnings that gunfire was imminent, and now, the city administration has taken stern steps to control the unrest.
Chaos started after days of intense protests that neared the capital. The government had already banned public gatherings for two months, and a court had already issued an injunction against rallies in Islamabad. Still, PTI supporters marched on, risking arrest as authorities suspended mobile and internet services in several areas. The protests have also disrupted travel, blocking roads and nearly closing transportation routes.
Imran Khan's PTI argues that the charges against him are politically motivated, upbraiding the government for using the courts to strangle opposition. Khan, who was kicked out of office in 2022 by a vote of no confidence, has over 150 criminal cases pending against him. His supporters contend that his detention is only political vengeance and not justice.
The situation remains fluid, but Pakistan's security forces arrested more than 4,000 PTI supporters since the start of the protests. While protests intensify, now the anticipation is to see how the government will respond in the coming days and whether the demands for the release of Imran Khan will be heard or violence will engage further.
