Pakistan: Clashes Erupt as Imran Khan’s Supporters Face Off with Security Forces in Islamabad
Security Lockdown and Protests
In a tense standoff, at least one policeman was killed and dozens of people were injured in Pakistan as supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan clashed with security forces outside the capital Islamabad on Monday, a government minister and Khan’s party said. The government has enforced a security lockdown for the last two days to block the protesters, whom Khan has called on to march on parliament for a sit-in demonstration to demand his release, while highways into the city have been barricaded.
Gathering Banned and Protests Suppressed
The government has used shipping containers to block major roads and streets in Islamabad, with patrols of police and paramilitary personnel in riot gear. Officials and witnesses said all public transport between cities and terminals had also been shut down in the eastern province of Punjab to keep away the protesters, led by members of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
Violent Clashes and Arrests
One police officer was shot and killed and at least 70 others were injured in clashes just outside Islamabad, according to Uzma Bukhari, provincial information minister. There were reports of several other clashes elsewhere in the province, she said. Khan’s party said scores of its workers were also hurt.
Gatherings Banned, Internet and WhatsApp Services Slowed
Gatherings in Islamabad have been banned, police said in a statement. Authorities closed all schools in Islamabad and the adjacent garrison city of Rawalpindi, while the internet and WhatsApp messaging services also slowed.
Khan’s Party Accuses Government of Using Violent Tactics
Khan’s party accused the government of using violent tactics to block the protesters, saying it had arrested hundreds of workers and leaders. "They are even firing live bullets," one of Khan’s aides, Shaukat Yousafzai, told broadcaster Geo News TV.
Protest March and Khan’s Fate
The protest march, which Khan has described as the "final call", is one of many his party has held to seek his release since he was jailed in August 2023. The party’s most recent protest in Islamabad, early in October, turned violent. Khan’s third wife, Bushra Bibi, and a key aide, Ali Amin Gandapur, who is the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, are leading a march that arrived just outside Islamabad on Sunday night, his party said.
Conclusion
The confrontation between Imran Khan’s supporters and security forces in Islamabad highlights the deep-seated political tensions in Pakistan, where the military plays an outsized role in politics. The protesters’ demands for Khan’s release and the government’s efforts to suppress the protests have led to a standoff that shows no signs of easing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the reason for the protests in Islamabad?
The protests are a response to the jailing of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is demanding his release and has called for a sit-in demonstration outside parliament. - How many people have been injured in the clashes?
At least 70 people, including 1 police officer, have been injured in the clashes. - What is the role of the military in the protests?
The military has an outsized role in Pakistani politics, and its involvement in the protests remains a key factor in the standoff. - What is the significance of the protest march?
The protest march is one of many held by Imran Khan’s party in recent months to seek his release, and its outcome could have significant implications for Pakistani politics.