The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has suspended its ongoing protests in Islamabad following a violent crackdown by authorities that resulted in at least four fatalities and over 50 injuries. PTI claims “hundreds” of protesters were killed, but these numbers remain unverified. The demonstrations, which began as a demand for Khan’s release, escalated into a confrontation with law enforcement.
Key figures in the protests, including Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, reportedly fled the protest site during the clashes. They are now believed to be in Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Authorities deployed heavy security, including road blockades and teargas, to disperse the crowds from Islamabad’s Red Zone. The PTI leadership criticized the government’s “brutality” and accused it of attempting to turn the protest into a “slaughterhouse” for unarmed civilians. A future course of action is expected to be announced after consultations with Khan.
The situation underscores deep political unrest in Pakistan, with the PTI alleging widespread human rights violations during its campaign. Roads are being reopened, and the city is recovering from three days of turmoil, marked by violence and significant damage.
This incident highlights the volatile political landscape in Pakistan as tensions between PTI and the government continue to escalate.
(By Ankita Singh, Web Team at C6N)
, led by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has suspended its ongoing protests in Islamabad following a violent crackdown by authorities that resulted in at least four fatalities and over 50 injuries.){kind=link}