Pakistani security forces launched a nighttime operation on Tuesday, arresting numerous protesters from former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). These protesters were staging a sit-in in Islamabad, demanding Khan’s release. The operation followed violent clashes two days earlier that left six people dead.
Escalation of Protests
Thousands of Khan’s supporters defied curfew orders and government warnings, breaching barriers in Islamabad’s high-security zone. This led to intense clashes with security forces involving tear gas, gunfire, and mass arrests.
The unrest began on Sunday when Khan’s followers initiated a ‘long march’ from the northwest to Islamabad, calling for his release. Tensions have continued to escalate since then.
Imran Khan’s Legal Battles
Imran Khan has been in prison for over a year and faces more than 150 criminal charges. His party has repeatedly claimed that these charges are politically motivated.
Leadership and Arrests
The protest was initially led by Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi. However, she fled the scene as police intensified their crackdown. Authorities are also seeking to arrest her. Hundreds of PTI supporters have been detained during the ongoing operation, and key party leaders have reportedly fled the protest site.
Security Forces Take Control
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that Islamabad’s red zone, home to government buildings and embassies, had been cleared of protesters. Earlier on Tuesday, the army had secured D-Chowk, a prominent area within the red zone, where Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko was staying during an official visit.
Despite the government’s actions, new waves of PTI supporters entered the red zone by Tuesday afternoon, waving party flags in solidarity with Khan.
Fatalities and Violence
Authorities are struggling to contain the violence linked to these protests. Six people, including four security personnel, were killed overnight when a vehicle rammed into them. Additionally, a police officer lost his life in a separate incident.
Government’s Stance
The government insists that only the courts can decide on Khan’s release. They also criticized PTI for rejecting an offer to hold the rally on the outskirts of Islamabad instead of in the city center.
To manage the unrest, police have detained over 4,000 of Khan’s supporters since Friday. Mobile and internet services have been suspended in several regions, and messaging platforms in Islamabad remain severely disrupted.
The situation remains tense as security forces and protesters continue to face off in the capital.