Imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan has called on his supporters to remain steadfast in their fight for what he calls Pakistan’s “true freedom.” This political turmoil erupted as security forces clashed with protesters demanding Khan’s release and opposing government actions. On Tuesday, thousands of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters attempted to stage a sit-in in Islamabad, leading to heightened tensions.
Protests Escalate in Islamabad
PTI supporters marched towards Islamabad’s Red Zone, facing barricades, road closures, and heavy security. Despite obstacles, they managed to reach D-Chowk, a high-security area housing key government buildings. Initially, security forces allowed the protesters to gather, but paramilitary Rangers soon replaced the police and used live fire and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
As chaos unfolded, the PTI reported two fatalities, while authorities shut off streetlights, plunging the area into darkness. Internet connectivity remained disrupted throughout the day, further complicating communication.
Leadership Under Scrutiny
Imran Khan addressed supporters through social media, urging them to remain peaceful and united. Meanwhile, his wife, Bushra Bibi, played a pivotal role in mobilizing PTI supporters. Leading a convoy from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, she delivered speeches encouraging protesters to hold their ground until Khan’s release.
The government accused Bibi of orchestrating the unrest. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi claimed a “hidden hand” was sabotaging peaceful solutions and pursuing an anti-state agenda. Naqvi directly blamed Bibi for escalating tensions, labeling her as the primary cause of the protests.
Government Stance and Response
The government has dismissed the possibility of talks with the PTI, maintaining a firm stance against the protests. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has largely stayed silent, with his public actions limited to attending the funerals of security personnel killed during related incidents.
The authorities accused PTI supporters of involvement in the deaths of three Rangers in a hit-and-run incident and a police officer who died during clashes. The PTI has vehemently denied these allegations, asserting that the government is attempting to deflect blame.
Read: Tear Gas Shelling Engulfs D-Chowk, PTI Protesters Clash with Security Forces
A Divided Nation
The protests stem from PTI’s grievances over February’s elections, which they claim represent a stolen mandate. Protesters are also demanding the release of political prisoners and the reversal of constitutional amendments that allow civilian governments to deploy the military for law and order.
The situation has highlighted deep divisions within Pakistan. While Khan’s supporters remain resolute in their demands, the government’s refusal to engage in dialogue has only intensified the unrest.
As night fell on Islamabad, fears of a large-scale operation against protesters loomed. With political and social tensions at a peak, the future of this standoff remains uncertain. Khan’s call for unity among his supporters signals his determination to persist, even as authorities tighten their grip on dissent.
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