On Tuesday, supporters of imprisoned former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan overcame barricades in the capital city and clashed with security forces, despite government warnings of lethal force. The violence resulted in six fatalities.

Thousands of security personnel have been deployed to Islamabad to control protests supporting Khan, which have intensified since Sunday. Khan, a popular figure, has been incarcerated for over a year and faces more than 150 criminal charges, which his party claims are politically motivated.

Authorities maintain that only the courts can order Khan’s release. He was removed from office in 2022 through a no-confidence vote and imprisoned following a corruption conviction in August 2023.

Protesters seized control of D-Chowk, a major square in Islamabad’s Red Zone, where key government buildings are located and where Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is currently visiting. Paramilitary forces and police were present, with some firing warning shots.

Despite the heavy security presence, Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, leading the protests, made slow progress towards the square in a protected convoy.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi threatened to use live ammunition if protesters opened fire on security forces. Later, while at the square, he stated that police were authorized to respond appropriately to the situation.

Protester Shahzor Ali explained that they were protesting at Khan’s behest and would remain until his release, at which point he would determine their next course of action. He further warned that any use of live ammunition would be met with reciprocal force.

Another protester, Fareeda Bibi, described the hardship endured over the past two years, stating that the country’s economic, political, and social situation had deteriorated significantly.

Police used tear gas to disperse the crowds. Among the deceased were four security personnel and a civilian killed when a vehicle struck them. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, blaming an “anarchist group” for deliberately targeting law enforcement. A police officer also died in a separate incident. No group claimed responsibility for the vehicular assault.

Numerous individuals were injured, including journalists who were assaulted by demonstrators. A videographer for The Associated Press was attacked, sustaining head injuries after having his camera stolen by a group of Khan supporters.

Much of the Pakistani media has shifted its focus from the rally itself to security measures and the deserted city streets, largely ceasing coverage of the protest.

By Tuesday afternoon, additional protesters reached the Red Zone without opposition. Most demonstrators displayed the flag of Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

Naqvi stated that Khan’s party rejected a government proposal to hold the rally outside the city.

Information Minister Atta Tarar warned of severe repercussions for the violence, asserting that the government aimed to prevent Bushra Bibi from securing Khan’s release, claiming she desired bloodshed.

To quell the unrest, over 4,000 Khan supporters have been arrested since Friday. Mobile and internet services have been suspended in some areas, and messaging platforms are experiencing significant disruption in the capital.

Khan’s party relies heavily on social media to advocate for his release, utilizing platforms like WhatsApp to share information. The X platform, banned in Pakistan, remains inaccessible even with VPNs.

A court issued a ban on rallies in the capital on Thursday, and Naqvi indicated that violators would be arrested. Transportation between Islamabad and other cities is severely hampered due to roadblocks, and educational institutions remain closed.