The political crisis in Pakistan deepened as supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan clashed with security forces in Islamabad, resulting in multiple deaths, mass arrests, and widespread unrest. The escalating standoff highlights the country’s mounting political instability.
Imran Khan, the cricket legend turned politician, has been jailed since August 2023 on corruption charges. His arrest capped a series of legal battles, including over 150 cases ranging from sedition to corruption. Despite his incarceration, Khan remains a popular figure among his supporters, who believe his detention is politically motivated by the coalition government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Khan’s legal troubles began after his ousting through a no-confidence vote in 2022. His arrest in May 2023 for alleged bribery involving land and state gifts sparked nationwide protests, with additional charges—such as anti-terrorism allegations—further complicating his legal status.
Protests Turn Violent
On Sunday, Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), launched a mass march toward Islamabad, demanding his release. Led by Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, and other senior PTI leaders, thousands of supporters flooded the capital.
The initially peaceful demonstration turned violent by Tuesday, as protesters clashed with heavily armed security forces. Riot police and paramilitary personnel deployed tear gas and erected barricades, but demonstrators broke through to Islamabad’s red zone, which houses key government buildings and embassies.
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Amid a citywide blackout, a government operation resulted in mass detentions and fatalities. Over 1,000 protesters, including senior PTI leaders, were arrested, while at least 10 people—six protesters and four security personnel—lost their lives.
PTI’s Accusations and Government Denial
PTI condemned the crackdown, describing it as a “massacre” by what they termed a “fascist military regime.” Party officials accused law enforcement of using live ammunition against protesters and reported as many as 40 deaths, claims denied by the government.
Led by Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, and other senior PTI leaders, thousands of supporters flooded the capital. (Photo shared by @_SatyaPrakash08 on X)
The Pakistani government dismissed the allegations as “propaganda,” asserting that the protests had devolved into acts of terrorism targeting security personnel and public property. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi defended the government’s response, accusing PTI of spreading misinformation to justify the unrest.
Government Imposes Restrictions
To contain the situation, the government deployed massive security forces, imposed a ban on public gatherings, and shut down mobile internet services in Islamabad. These measures, however, have drawn criticism from human rights organizations for suppressing dissent.
Following the violent clashes, PTI announced a temporary suspension of its protests, citing “state brutality.” Bushra Bibi and senior leader Ali Amin Gandapur retreated to the party’s northern stronghold, assuring supporters that the protests were not over.
The unrest underscores the deep divisions in Pakistan’s political landscape. As the country grapples with this crisis, the risk of prolonged instability looms large, threatening its fragile democracy.
