Pakistan descends into chaos – demonstrators demand Khan's release

Violent clashes broke out in and around the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, between police and supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. What do you want to know.

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Things are happening rapidly in Pakistan. Supporters of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan broke through roadblocks near the capital Islamabad, killing one person.

Demonstrators demanded the release of Khan, who has been in jail since August 2023 on corruption and other charges.

The current prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, talks about extremism and threatens severe violence. Authorities imposed a lockdown, shutting down the internet and closing schools.

Everything you want to know.

Violent clashes broke out in Islamabad.Image: trapezoid

what happened?

Due to Lukashenko's upcoming visit, the Pakistani government strengthened security in the capital, Islamabad, and the situation around the capital, Islamabad, escalated. The Belarusian president arrived in Pakistan on Monday for three days of talks.

Lukashenko and Sherbaz Sharif.Image: trapezoid

PTI, the party of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, had previously called on people to gather in front of the parliament building. Protest marches were held in the capital in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.

Violent clashes broke out between demonstrators and police on the outskirts of Islamabad on Monday. According to Reuters, 22 police vehicles were set on fire and authorities reported the deaths of at least six security personnel.

More than a hundred emergency service workers were said to have been injured in the riots. The police spokesman also said at least 50 demonstrators were injured on Monday. As the situation escalated, the military took over security in Islamabad.

The capital has been blocked by shipping containers since the weekend. Security forces used batons and tear gas to prevent demonstrators from entering the capital.

The capital has been blocked by shipping containers since the weekend.Image: trapezoid

Demonstrators crossed the city's borders on Tuesday night, with a large group heading towards the Blue Zone, Islamabad's business district. Important government buildings in the capital were surrounded by soldiers. The situation is confusing, also because the government blocks mobile internet.

This is not the first time that the Pakistani government has blocked the capital Islamabad. Sharif has imposed multiple lockdowns in recent months to prevent protests.

What to do next?

Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said police still had “reservations.” However, he warned the demonstrators not to advance further: “The rangers may shoot and in five minutes there will be no more demonstrators there,” Naqvi said. Anyone crossing the border into Islamabad will be arrested. Current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also threatened severe violence.

Earlier, thousands of Khan's supporters were arrested in surrounding provinces where the march began.

Schools in Islamabad and surrounding areas remained closed on Monday and Tuesday. All public transportation has also been closed, Reuters reported.

Why are there protests?

In 2022, Imran Khan was removed from the post of prime minister due to a vote of no confidence in the parliament.

The 72-year-old has been detained since August 2023 and has been charged and convicted of corruption, among other crimes. But dozens of other criminal complaints remain against him.

The former top cricketer is very popular in Pakistan. Khan denies the charges against him and sees himself as a victim of a political campaign. He has repeatedly called on his supporters to take to the streets.

Kamran Bangash, one of the leaders of Khan's PTI party, told CNN that the protesters were determined.

A protester holds up a photo of Imran Khan. Image: trapezoid

(Materials from SDA)