5 dead, 119 injured as Imran Khan protesters clash with police in Islamabad

At least five security personnel were killed, and dozens, including 119 police officers, were injured as violent clashes erupted between supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan and law enforcement in Pakistan. The protests began on Sunday in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, led by Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, and escalated as demonstrators advanced toward Islamabad, demanding his release. The unrest reached the capital on Monday and continued into Tuesday, with the march centered on D-Chowk, a high-security zone near government buildings.

Authorities reported that one police officer was shot dead, and four paramilitary rangers were run over by vehicles on the Srinagar Highway. At least 22 police vehicles were torched, and significant damage was reported to public and private property. Protesters, equipped with heavy machinery, dismantled barricades, shipping containers, and concrete barriers placed by security forces to block key routes into the capital.

The government deployed the military under Article 245 of the Constitution, authorizing troops to use “shoot-at-sight” measures to maintain order. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that strict action would be taken against those entering Islamabad’s high-security zones, which include Parliament and the Prime Minister’s residence. Educational institutions in Islamabad were closed, mobile services were suspended in several areas, and public gatherings were restricted under emergency regulations.

Bushra Bibi addressed demonstrators from a truck, calling for perseverance. “We will overcome all hurdles one by one,” she said, urging protesters to push forward despite the government's heavy use of tear gas and barricades. PTI senior leader Kamran Bangash added, “We are determined, and we will reach Islamabad.” Videos showed protesters wearing gas masks and goggles while using heavy equipment to remove barriers and pushing forward in large numbers.

Imran Khan, who was ousted through a no-confidence motion in 2022, has been in jail since August 2023 and faces over 200 cases, including charges of corruption, terrorism, and incitement of violence. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), won the most seats in the February general elections despite running without a party symbol. PTI leaders accuse the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) coalition of rigging elections and orchestrating legal challenges against Khan to sideline him politically.

The protests have paralyzed parts of Islamabad and Punjab province, disrupting transportation and daily life. Highways connecting Islamabad to other regions remain blocked, with reports of ambulances and emergency services unable to reach affected areas. Authorities confirmed ongoing negotiations with PTI leaders to relocate the demonstrations to designated zones outside the capital, but the party has rejected these proposals, insisting on continuing their march to D-Chowk.