Thousands of supporters of jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan clashed with police in Islamabad on Tuesday, breaking down barricades of shipping containers around the capital. Despite the government’s warning of open fire, the protesters continued their march, demanding Khan’s release.
Late at night, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warned protesters that police would use live ammunition in response to any firing from demonstrators. “If they fire bullets again, bullets will be answered with bullets,” he said.
Police responded with tear gas, and the violence left at least one person dead, while several others, including journalists, were injured.
Here are the top developments in the story:
The state fired tear gas, fired bullets as Khan supporters violated the lockdown
Pakistani security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets at thousands of protesters demanding the release of Khan, who had defied a police lockdown to march in the capital.
“We are very frustrated with the government, they don’t know how to work,” Kalat Khan, a protester, told AFP on Monday, adding, “The treatment we are getting is unfair and cruel.”
We call on Pakistani authorities to respect human rights: US
The US State Department expressed support for the Pakistani people’s right to peaceful protest and urged Pakistani officials to respect human rights and freedoms.
“We call on the protesters to demonstrate peacefully and refrain from violence and at the same time, we call on the Pakistani authorities to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms and ensure respect for the laws and constitution of Pakistan as they work to maintain law and order. ” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters.
PTI leaders met Imran Khan
PTI leaders met Imran Khan late on Monday, where they presented the government’s proposals to the jailed party leader. The outcome of the meeting was unclear, as the PTI delegation left without addressing the media, reports Dawn.
Earlier, sources suggested that PTI and government representatives held talks in Islamabad to decide on a location for the protest that would not disturb the peace. While both parties did not explicitly confirm these discussions, Naqvi hinted that the government is still waiting for the PTI’s response.
Over 4,000 PTI supporters arrested; Internet services turned off
To quell the protests, police have detained more than 4,000 supporters of Imran Khan since Friday and shut down mobile and internet services in some areas.
The government reported that one police officer was killed and nine others were seriously injured during two days of clashes as protesters neared the capital.
A court on Thursday issued a ban on rallies in the capital, and Interior Minister Naqvi warned that anyone violating the order would be arrested.