Pakistani authorities launched a crackdown on protests by supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, clearing key areas of Islamabad after days of unrest. Demonstrators, mostly from Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, had gathered to demand his release and the resignation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The protests escalated into violence, leaving at least four people dead, including three police officers, and dozens injured.
Police used tear gas and baton charges to disperse crowds near D-Chowk, a central protest site. Major roads were barricaded, internet services were disrupted, and schools were closed to prevent further escalation. The government accused protesters of instigating violence, targeting security personnel, and creating chaos. Prime Minister Sharif labeled the protests “extremism,” calling for political stability over “bloodshed.”
Imran Khan, who served as prime minister from 2018 to 2022, has been imprisoned since August 2023 on charges ranging from corruption to terrorism. His supporters claim these charges are politically motivated and orchestrated by Pakistan’s powerful military. Despite the suppression, PTI vowed to continue its campaign for Khan’s release and against what it calls a corrupt system.
International organizations and governments, including the United States, urged both sides to avoid violence and respect fundamental rights. Human rights advocates criticized the government’s response, calling it an infringement on peaceful protest rights.
As tensions persist, Pakistan faces mounting political and economic challenges. Analysts warn that without meaningful dialogue, the crisis risks destabilizing the already fragile country further. Khan’s PTI has pledged to intensify its movement, while the government remains firm in its stance against what it describes as a threat to public order. The political standoff highlights Pakistan’s deepening polarization and the growing strain on its democratic framework.
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