Pakistan’s capital descended into chaos on Tuesday as violent clashes between security forces and protesters near the parliament left six people dead, including four paramilitary soldiers. The protests were sparked by demands for the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, whose imprisonment has become a flashpoint in the country’s political crisis.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accused the protesters of deliberately targeting paramilitary forces, claiming they rammed a convoy of vehicles into soldiers, causing their deaths. However, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Khan’s political party, pushed back on this narrative. Party spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari stated that two protesters were also killed during the unrest and at least 30 others injured. He alleged one was shot dead, and another was run over by a vehicle, though these claims remain unverified by authorities.
“This is not a peaceful protest. It’s extremism,” Sharif declared in a statement, denouncing the violence and accusing the demonstrators of pursuing “evil political designs.” He further warned that the confrontations were testing the patience of law enforcement agencies.
Protesters vs. State Forces
The violence erupted after a march led by Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, and key PTI ally Ali Amin Gandapur reached Islamabad. Protesters were seen vandalizing vehicles, setting fire to a police kiosk, and attacking journalists, according to eyewitnesses. The Interior Ministry subsequently deployed the military to secure Islamabad’s Red Zone, home to government offices and foreign embassies, and signaled that a curfew could be imposed if necessary.
PTI dismissed Sharif’s allegations and reiterated its commitment to a peaceful sit-in outside parliament. Labeling the movement as the “final call,” Khan and his party have held a series of protests since his imprisonment in August 2023. This latest demonstration, however, was larger and more violent, with authorities reporting that many protesters carried makeshift weapons, including steel rods and slingshots, and set fires as they advanced.
Amid the escalating tension, Amnesty International called on the government to uphold the protesters’ rights and criticized the alleged issuance of “shoot-on-sight” orders, which it said could lead to excessive use of force by the military.
Khan’s Call to Action
From his prison cell, Khan addressed his followers through social media, urging them to remain steadfast and united. “This is the struggle for Pakistan’s survival and true freedom,” he wrote, maintaining that the demonstrations were peaceful and accusing security forces of targeting unarmed supporters.
The protests have also taken a toll on Pakistan’s fragile economy. On Tuesday, the country’s benchmark stock index, the KSE-100, dropped 3.57%, reflecting investor anxiety over the ongoing unrest.
A Nation Divided
Since his ouster in 2022, Khan has become a polarizing figure in Pakistan’s volatile political landscape. Removed from office after falling out with the powerful military, Khan has faced numerous charges ranging from corruption to incitement of violence, all of which he denies.
Despite his legal battles, Khan’s popularity among his supporters remains strong. Michael Kugelman, an expert on South Asia at the Wilson Center, described the latest protests as evidence of Khan’s enduring grip on his base. He warned that resolving the crisis would require political compromise, something that seems increasingly elusive as both sides dig in their heels.
Pakistan’s challenges are mounting. With political unrest threatening to destabilize the country further, leaders face growing pressure to find a resolution before the situation spirals beyond control.
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