The ongoing unrest reflects deep political divides in Pakistan, with supporters clashing against security forces amid casualties.
Protests Erupt in Pakistan as Supporters Demand Imran Khan's Release
Protests Erupt in Pakistan as Supporters Demand Imran Khan's Release
Tension escalates in Islamabad as calls for former Prime Minister Imran Khan's freedom collide with police crackdowns.
Supporters of Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, found themselves in violent confrontations with security forces in Islamabad as they demanded his release. The protests, which began on Monday with thousands gathered under the leadership of Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, were motivated by claims that Khan’s incarceration since August on politically charged charges is part of a broader political strategy by the ruling authorities.
On Tuesday night, the situation escalated when police and paramilitary troops initiated a crackdown. Local reports indicate that at least four civilians were killed amid the chaos, with many protesters fleeing the capital. The crowd, primarily composed of individuals who came from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, had aimed to stage a sit-in at a significant town square close to government edifices. The protesters accuse the current government of being controlled by the military, a sentiment fueled by accusations from Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), following Khan's removal from power in 2022 through a parliamentary no-confidence vote.
As protests grew, officials attempted to disperse the crowd by turning off streetlights and closing nearby businesses. Security forces reportedly used tear gas and rubber bullets to break up the gathering, though Khan’s supporters alleged that live ammunition was employed against them—allegations denied by authorities. By the early hours of Wednesday, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that the protest zone had been cleared, announcing over 500 arrests.
The unrest marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s continuously turbulent political landscape, reflecting the struggles of its economy and societal divisions. As tensions linger between supporters of Khan and the current government, the future of Pakistan’s political stability remains uncertain.
