Protests turn violent in Islamabad as Imran Khan’s supporters battle police, at least 6 dead

Islamabad: Supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan clashed with police in Pakistan’s capital, on Tuesday, leaving six security personnel dead and dozens injured. The violence erupted as protesters removed barricades and marched towards D-Chowk, a central area near key government buildings.  

The clashes, which began late Monday, resulted in the deaths of four paramilitary Rangers and two policemen. Over 100 security personnel were injured during the protests, prompting the federal government to deploy the army in Islamabad with shoot-at-sight orders, according to state media.  

Imran Khan’s “final call” for protests  

The 72-year-old former premier, who has been in jail since August last year, had called for nationwide protests on November 24. In his message on November 13, he urged his supporters to protest against what he described as a stolen election mandate, unjust arrests, and the recent constitutional amendments that he claimed support a “dictatorial regime.”  

Despite heavy police presence and barricades, protesters led by Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur reached D-Chowk. Bushra Bibi told the crowd to leave only if Imran Khan himself instructed them about the next steps.  

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that the government attempted negotiations with protest leaders to prevent violence but claimed an unknown “secret leadership” escalated the situation.  

Attacks on security personnel  

Late Monday night, a vehicle rammed into Pakistan Rangers on Islamabad’s Srinagar Highway, killing four personnel and injuring several others. Meanwhile, in Rawalpindi, miscreants armed with weapons attacked security forces near Chungi No. 26, injuring many. Punjab police also reported a policeman’s death during clashes at the Hakla interchange on Islamabad’s outskirts.  

Government condemns violence  

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attacks on security personnel, calling them an attempt to create chaos.

“Such bloodshed under the guise of peaceful protest is unacceptable,” he said, urging authorities to identify and prosecute those involved.  

PTI accuses government of violence

Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party accused authorities of using excessive force, claiming several supporters were injured. A PTI spokesperson alleged that two supporters were killed, though this has not been confirmed.  

Schools closed amid tensions

All educational institutions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi remained closed on Tuesday due to the volatile situation.  

Imran Khan’s legal battles

Khan has been in jail since his government was ousted in 2022. Facing over 200 cases, he remains a central figure in Pakistan’s politics, with his party recently winning the most seats in general elections despite being barred from using its official election symbol. The situation remains tense, with the army deployed and protests ongoing in the capital.  

PTI