Supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan stormed Islamabad, defying a police lockdown and demanding his release from prison. The confrontation turned deadly, with the government confirming the deaths of four security personnel. Thousands of protesters, mostly members of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, clashed with police as they pushed past barricades and endured tear gas. The protests come ahead of Khan’s court hearing on terrorism charges, intensifying political unrest in Pakistan.
Security Forces Targeted Amid Tensions
The government reported that security personnel died when protesters rammed them with a vehicle. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the violence, labeling it extremism and vowing strict action against those responsible. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that authorities would not tolerate chaos and promised accountability.
PTI leaders, however, denied the allegations, accusing the government of fabricating claims to justify violence against peaceful demonstrators. PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari pointed to viral videos showing protesters protecting security forces, dismissing the official narrative.
Amnesty International Criticizes Police Action
Amnesty International criticized Pakistani authorities for using unlawful and excessive force against protesters. The organization called the police response a violation of fundamental rights, including freedom of assembly, movement, and expression.
Despite the crackdown, protesters maintained a sit-in near parliament, demanding Khan’s release and an end to what they described as politically motivated charges.
Contradictory Accounts of Violence
Conflicting reports emerged regarding casualties. While the government blamed protesters for running over security personnel, eyewitness accounts suggested the deaths might have resulted from a security vehicle speeding away in panic. Unconfirmed reports also indicated the death of a civilian and a policeman during the clashes.
Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Islamabad described the situation as “extremely tense” as protesters gained ground within the capital, heightening concerns of further unrest.
Political and Judicial Battles
Imran Khan, ousted in 2022 via a no-confidence vote, has been in prison for over a year following a corruption conviction. He faces over 150 criminal cases, which his PTI party claims are politically motivated. Authorities maintain that only the courts can decide his fate.
The protests mark a significant escalation in PTI’s ongoing campaign against Khan’s imprisonment. Supporters accuse the ruling coalition of targeting Khan to suppress dissent and eliminate political competition.
Read: Imran Khan Urges Supporters to “Fight Till the End” Amid Protests
Government Measures to Contain Protests in Islamabad
Authorities implemented stringent measures to control the unrest, arresting more than 4,000 PTI supporters since Friday. Mobile and internet services were suspended in some regions, while schools and colleges remained closed. Roads leading to Islamabad were blocked with shipping containers, though protesters managed to dismantle them.
Meanwhile, a court imposed a ban on public gatherings in Islamabad, warning that violators would face arrest. Police reiterated their intent to prevent further breaches of the capital’s security.
As tensions rise, Islamabad remains in a state of lockdown, with protesters determined to intensify their campaign for Khan’s freedom. The coming days will likely determine the future trajectory of Pakistan’s deeply polarized political landscape.
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