Protests in Islamabad: Six Lives Lost in Clashes Over Imran Khan’s Imprisonment
Six people have died during violent clashes in Islamabad as supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan protested against his imprisonment. On Tuesday, demonstrators broke through barriers set by security forces, despite warnings that authorities would respond with deadly force.
Thousands of police and military personnel have been deployed across central Islamabad to manage the unrest, which has escalated over the past few days. In addition to the casualties, more than 4,000 Khan supporters have been arrested, and authorities have suspended mobile and internet services in a bid to control the situation. Major travel routes have been blocked, and public gatherings have been banned.
Imran Khan has been in jail for over a year, facing more than 150 criminal charges that his party argues are politically motivated. He was removed from office through a no-confidence vote in 2022, with his legal troubles culminating in a conviction in a corruption case last August.
On the ground, tensions are high. The army took control of D-Chowk, an important area in the city, where the President of Belarus is currently visiting. Police have already fired warning shots into the air as they attempted to disperse crowds using tear gas.
While Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, leads the protests, she has faced intense security measures. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has warned that police are prepared to use live ammunition if there are any attacks on them. Protesters remain resolute, with many stating they will continue until Khan is released. One protester, Shahzor Ali, said, "We will stay here until Khan is among us."
The unrest has drawn attention to the hardships faced by many citizens in Pakistan, with protesters like Fareeda Bibi expressing deep frustrations over the ongoing economic and political turmoil in the country.
As violence continues, a call for calm has been overshadowed by the mounting tensions, with government officials promising a strict response to further disturbances. The situation remains volatile, and additional protests are expected as supporters of Khan demand his release.
