At least one policeman has been killed, and more than 50 people have been injured as authorities attempt to prevent thousands of opposition protesters from reaching Islamabad. The protests, led by supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, have intensified despite his ongoing detention for over a year on various charges.
His wife, Bushra Bibi, urged the protesters to continue marching until her husband is released, promising they would not stop until their demands were met. The marchers are also calling for the reversal of election results they claim were rigged.
Roads leading to D Chowk, a key area near Pakistan’s government buildings, are blocked with shipping containers, while police and paramilitary forces are deployed in riot gear. The city has been under lockdown for two days, with schools and colleges shut and some internet services cut off amid fears of escalating violence.
On the streets, protesters clashed with police, throwing stones as authorities used tear gas to disperse the crowds. Over 130 people have been arrested, with the atmosphere growing tense as the march progresses. Despite the unrest, Khan’s political influence remains strong, with his party continuing to rally for his release and the dismissal of the current government’s election results.
