Thousands of supporters of jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan clashed with police in Islamabad on Tuesday, breaking through a barricade of shipping containers surrounding the capital. Despite a government warning of open fire, protesters continued their march, demanding Khan’s release.
Late at night, interior minister Mohsin Naqvi warned protesters that police would use live ammunition in response to any gunfire from the demonstrators.He said, “If they again fire bullets, the bullet will be responded with the bullet.”
Police responded with tear gas, and at least one person was killed in the violence, while many others, including journalists, were injured.
Here are top developments in the story:
State fires tear gas, bullets fired as Khan supporters breach lockdown
Pakistan’s security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets at thousands of protesters demanding the release of Khan, who defied a police lockdown to march into the capital.
“We are deeply frustrated with the government, they do not know how to function,” a protestor Kalat Khan told AFP on Monday, adding that the “treatment we are receiving is unjust and cruel.”
We call on Pakistani authorities to respect human rights: US
The US State Department expressed support for the Pakistani people’s right to peacefully protest and urged Pakistani authorities to respect human rights and freedoms.
“We call on protesters to demonstrate peacefully and refrain from violence and, at the same time, we call on Pakistani authorities to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms and to ensure respect for Pakistan’s laws and constitution as they work to maintain law and order,” state department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters.
PTI leaders meet Imran Khan
PTI leaders met with Imran Khan late on Monday night, where they reportedly presented the government’s proposals to the incarcerated party leader. The outcome of the meeting was unclear, as the PTI delegation left without addressing the media, Dawn reported.
Earlier, sources suggested that PTI and government representatives had held talks to finalize a location for a protest in Islamabad that would not disrupt peace. While both sides did not explicitly confirm these discussions, Naqvi hinted that the government was still waiting for PTI’s reply.
Over 4,000 PTI supporters arrested; internet services shut
To prevent the protest, police have detained over 4,000 of Imran Khan’s supporters since Friday and have shut down mobile and internet services in certain areas.
The government reported that one police officer was killed and nine others critically injured during two days of clashes as protesters neared the capital.
A court on Thursday issued a ban on rallies in the capital, and interior minister Naqvi warned that anyone violating the order would be arrested.