Clashes Between Pakistani Police and Imran Khan Supporters Advancing on Islamabad

Pakistani authorities have reported the death of at least one police officer and injuries to over 50 others, as officials endeavor to prevent thousands of opposition demonstrators from reaching Islamabad. Numerous supporters of the incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan have been apprehended, and the capital city remains under lockdown for a second consecutive day. Mr. Khan has been held in detention for over a year, facing a range of charges, yet he continues to command significant popularity despite his ongoing legal challenges. On Monday, his wife, Bushra Bibi, informed supporters that the demonstration would persist until her husband’s release. Access routes to D Chowk, a critical location in central Islamabad situated close to government structures, the Supreme Court, and parliament, are still obstructed by shipping containers, aimed at preventing protesters from advancing. The thoroughfares are filled with buses that have transported police personnel from various regions of the nation to the capital. Paramilitary forces, equipped with riot gear, are positioned, and water cannons are prepared; however, on Monday, the situation was tranquil as demonstrators had not yet arrived in the city. Upon the dissemination of information indicating the protesters’ movement, law enforcement commenced closing additional streets and redeploying some of their personnel throughout the urban area. Certain internet services have been temporarily halted. Educational institutions, including schools and colleges, have been closed due to concerns regarding potential violence. Imran Khan’s political party has been conducting protests for several months. The most recent demonstration followed his issuance of a “final call” to his adherents, imploring them to remain in the capital until their demands are satisfied. Furthermore, they are advocating for the annulment of election outcomes, which they assert were manipulated – an allegation that the government disputes. The procession, which commenced on Sunday, has involved police deploying tear gas against demonstrators, who have retaliated by throwing stones at officers. On Monday, police informed the BBC that 139 individuals had been taken into custody. Mr. Khan’s spouse is among the leaders guiding the primary convoy. “Until Khan comes to us, we will not end this march,” Bushra Bibi declared to the assembled crowds as the rally approached the capital. She further stated, “I will stand till my last breath and you have to support me. This is not just about my husband but about this country and its leader.” Bushra Bibi received a sentence concurrently with Khan in January, but was granted bail in late October. Despite Khan having been incarcerated for over a year, he continues to represent the predominant influence within Pakistan’s opposition political landscape. Parliament removed him from power in 2022, amidst reports suggesting a disagreement with the nation’s influential military. He refutes all accusations leveled against him, which encompass charges from corruption to inciting violence and unlawfully marrying Bushra Bibi. During the general election held in February, his party was prohibited from participating. Independent candidates supported by the PTI surprisingly secured the highest number of seats, though insufficient to establish a government. Khan alleged that the two parties currently forming the government – the PML-N and PPP – had stolen the election. The authorities reject claims of vote tampering. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.