Pakistan: Thousands defy police in support of Imran Khan

Supporters of jailed former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan have been pushed again by safety forces after reaching the guts of the heavily-barricaded capital earlier on Tuesday.

The convoy of opposition protesters has been marching in the direction of Islamabad’s D Chowk – or Democracy Square – because the weekend, demanding Khan’s launch, amongst different issues.

At least six folks had been killed – 4 paramilitary troopers, and two protesters – because the march moved by means of town, clashing with safety forces at factors.

Quite a few protesters did make it so far as D Chowk nonetheless, and had been seen scrambling over delivery containers positioned to dam their means.

But hours after protesters reached the sq., safety forces efficiently cleared the world. As darkness fell, the lights had been switched off – solely cops and paramilitary troopers left behind.

A police officer close by stated that some protesters had made it past the three-tier stack of delivery containers, however just a few hundred metres earlier than they had been pushed again.

However, 1000’s of Khan supporters stay within the space – to maintain heat within the biting chilly, protesters have began burning paper and different supplies inside garbage bins. Many have even resorted to burning grass and bushes on the footpaths and greenbelts, the place persons are gathered.

Muhammad Shahid, who got here together with his household all the way in which from Punjab province, says they’re right here due to Imran Khan’s message: “He says we must fight for our rights.”

He provides: “We’re here to stand up for our fundamental rights. Imran Khan has been illegally arrested, and we will fight to make our voices heard.”

Khan, who has been in jail for greater than a 12 months on prices he says are politically motivated, has urged his supporters not to surrender – encouraging folks to proceed in the direction of D Chowk.

“My message to my team is to fight till the end, we will not back down,” the previous prime minister stated on X.

Even from behind bars, the previous cricket star has proved a strong participant in Pakistan politics. During elections in February, his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) occasion, which had been banned from standing and was compelled to run candidates as independents, emerged as the one largest bloc.

However, they fell wanting the bulk and their rivals united to kind a brand new authorities.

As a end result, protesters are additionally calling for the overturning of election outcomes they are saying had been rigged – a declare disputed by the federal government.

It was Khan who referred to as on his supporters to take to the streets on the weekend, issuing a “final call” and asking them to remain within the capital till their calls for are met.

The authorities – which had already launched a ban on public gatherings -responded by blocking Islamabad’s streets with delivery containers, and bussing in police from throughout the nation.

Restrictions additionally seem to have been introduced in on some web companies, whereas faculties and schools have been shut due to fears of violence.

Pakistan’s inside minister stated the protesters had been provided another venue for his or her protest however had refused.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who blamed the protesters for the deaths of 4 troopers on Tuesday, dismissed the march as “extremism”.

“These disruptive elements do not seek revolution but bloodshed,” he stated in a press release.

Zulfikar Bukhari, spokesman for Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) occasion, advised information company Reuters a minimum of two protesters had been killed – one shot, and one run over by a automobile.

At least 50 folks have been injured.