Pakistan authorities launch operation to clear Islamabad

Move follows clashes in the capital between police and supporters of Imran Khan which have left six people dead

- SHWETA SHARMA

Pakistani security forces launched a massive operation last night to disperse supporters of imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan who had gathered in the capital to demand his release from prison.

At least six people, including a police officer and members of security forces, have died during the protest march on parliament that began on Sunday as a sit-in demonstration.

Thousands of supporters of Khan reached the heavily fortified square in the centre of Islamabad, defying government lockdown and ultimatums to demand the release of the jailed former PM yesterday.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of Khan, who has been in jail since last year, said two of its supporters had been killed and dozens injured in clashes with the police. The government imposed a strict lockdown of Islamabad for the last three days to block protesters from reaching the capital. All major highways and roads were blocked with shipping containers, concrete barricades and security personnel. Mobile data was suspended in some areas.

The convoy of protesters yesterday clashed with security forces and breached the tall walls of the containers positioned at several points to block them from reaching the D-Chowk, an intersection in the heart of the capital called the “red zone”. The highly sensitive area houses government buildings, the Supreme Court, parliament and embassies.