Islamabad: Pakistan ’s security forces launched a major crackdown at midnight on thousands of supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad. The protesters had gathered to demand Khan’s release but were met with heavy police action.
The operation took place in the high-security Red Zone, where protesters had earlier broken through barricades. Security forces used tear gas and live rounds to disperse the crowd. Clashes between the protesters and authorities turned violent, leaving four security personnel and two PTI supporters dead, according to reports.
In a post on X, PTI alleged excessive use of force against peaceful protesters. “Today, armed security forces launched a violent assault on peaceful PTI protesters in Islamabad, firing live rounds with the intent to kill as many people as possible,” the party said.
The Red Zone, which houses key government buildings and foreign embassies, was cleared after hours of confrontation, confirmed Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The area remains heavily guarded, with military forces stationed at D-Chowk, where Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is currently staying.
The protesters, part of PTI convoys that have been mobilizing across the country since Sunday, had planned to stage a sit-in in the Red Zone until Khan’s release. However, the government’s strict measures, including the use of tear gas and barricades, have led to a volatile situation, with the crackdown sparking outrage among Khan’s supporters nationwide.
Imran Khan, the PTI founder and former premier, remains imprisoned as protests escalate, deepening the political crisis in Pakistan. The violent events in Islamabad have further fuelled tensions, with PTI calling for international attention to what it describes as “state-sponsored violence.”
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