Opposition protesters have gathered in the thousands on Pakistan’s heavily-barricaded capital, calling for the release of the imprisoned former prime minister, Imran Khan.
The group has already –at the time pf filing this report– clashed with security forces, who have been throwing tear gases and rubber bullets at the marchers in an attempt to break them up.
Meanwhile, a report by the prime minister’s office revealed that four paramilitary soldiers were killed in a hit-and-run incident which it Khan’s supporters are being accused of but this has not been independently verified.
Khan has been held in prison for over a year and is facing a number of charges and sentences which he claims are politically motivated.
Even from behind bars, the ex-cricket star has proved to be a powerful player in Pakistan politics.
During the elections in February, his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, was forced to run candidates as independents, but they emerged as the single largest bloc regardless.
Unfortunately for the party, they fell short of the majority and their rivals banded together to form a new government.
As a result, protesters have called for the overturning of election results they say were rigged – a claim that has been disputed by the government.
Khan had urged his supporters to take to the streets at the weekend, issuing a “final call” and asking them to stay in the capital until their demands are answered.
This call was made was after the authorities instituted a ban on public gatherings.
The government however, responded to Khan’s call by blocking Islamabad’s streets with shipping containers, and calling in police from across the country.
In perhaps, an attempt to reach a middle ground, Pakistan’s interior minister said the protesters had been offered an alternative venue for their protest but this was refused.
The unrest has led to the suspension of internet services, and the closure of schools and colleges over fears of violence.
After days on the road, the protest has now reached the fringes of the city centre.
More details to come later…
