Following a demonstration in Islamabad demanding the release of the jailed former Prime Minister, supporters have temporarily suspended their protests.
After a nighttime security operation, supporters of imprisoned former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan announced a temporary halt to their Islamabad protests on Wednesday, according to media sources. The demonstration, organized by Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, began Sunday with thousands marching to demand Khan’s release.
Khan, 71, removed from office in April 2022, faces over 150 charges, which his party alleges are politically motivated. He is currently imprisoned on corruption charges.
Geo News reported a PTI statement citing the government’s “brutality” as the reason for the temporary suspension of their “peaceful protest”.
The PTI reported that eight members died in clashes with law enforcement during Tuesday night’s crackdown.
Multiple media outlets, including Geo News, described a large-scale security operation in central Islamabad involving a power outage and tear gas deployment.
Police denied the use of lethal force, stating that approximately 1,000 protesters were arrested. Media reports also cited government officials who stated that several security personnel, including four paramilitary soldiers, were killed in the clashes. The confrontation reportedly involved over 10,000 protesters and around 20,000 security personnel.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi informed reporters on Wednesday that roads connecting Islamabad had reopened following the dispersal of protesters.
Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, who led the protest, reportedly escaped unharmed, though police are reportedly seeking her arrest. Bibi was recently released from prison after a government case against her and Khan for alleged violations of Islamic law related to their marriage was dismissed on appeal.
Khan, currently detained at Adiala jail in Rawalpindi, has faced various charges, including accusations under anti-terrorism laws, corruption, improperly receiving foreign gifts, revealing state secrets, and violating Islamic law through his marriage.
The former prime minister has accused the Pakistani military and the United States of plotting his ouster, alleging a US conspiracy following his visit to Russia.
The PTI, claiming victory in the February election but alleging electoral manipulation by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the military, announced it would soon determine its next steps.