Supporters of the former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan faced stiff resistance from security forces as they tried to march towards Islamabad, sparking clashes and tensions in the capital. The protesters, marching to protest Khan’s ongoing court challenges and demanding fresh elections, were met with tear gas, barricades, and mass arrests.

Protesters Blocked from Entering Capital

Organized by Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, the march began as a peaceful protest but turned violent when thousands of supporters tried to storm security checkpoints leading into Islamabad’s Red Zone, where major government institutions are located.

A strong contingent of policemen and paramilitary forces were placed by authorities to restrict crowds. The riot police used tear gas canisters and restricted the road accesses to the centre city using shipping containers and wire cutters with sharp edges.

Stone pelting occurred in protest and barricade dismantling began by the protesters. 

PTI Condemns Government Crackdown

PTI leaders have claimed that the government is crushing dissent with brute force. “This is a blatant violation of our democratic rights,” said a senior PTI official. The party claims dozens of protesters have been injured and hundreds detained in the crackdown.

Speaking via video link, Imran Khan condemned the actions of the government, saying the moves were a ploy to silence legitimate political opposition. “The voice of the people cannot be suppressed. This regime fears the power of the masses,” he said.

Government Defends Security Measures

The ruling coalition government has justified its actions, saying that it needs to maintain law and order in the face of what it described as “provocative and unlawful” attempts to disrupt public peace.

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said, “The government will not allow any individual or party to hold the capital hostage. Protests must remain within the bounds of the law.”

Rising Political Tensions

This marks the latest chapter in the deepening political crisis Pakistan faces. Imran Khan was sacked from office through a no-confidence vote in parliament last year but faces continued legal challenges on corruption allegations and more. His supporters assert these are politically motivated cases that constitute a larger campaign to sideline him from the political landscape.

With no resolution in sight, the ongoing standoff between PTI supporters and the government underscores the volatility of Pakistan’s political environment, raising concerns of further unrest in the coming days.