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Over 80 Police injured in violent clashes with Imran Khan supporters as Protesters defy Ban in Pakistani capital

Over 80 Police injured in violent clashes with Imran Khan supporters as Protesters defy Ban in Pakistani capital
Supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) gathered for an anti-government rally, Islamabad, October 4, 2024. REUTERS/M Asim

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reported on Saturday that more than 80 police officers have been injured in confrontations with supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The march, led by the chief minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, where Khan’s party still holds power, aims to reach Islamabad, challenging a ban on public gatherings to demand Khan’s release and protest against the ruling coalition.

According to Naqvi, the convoy, headed by the chief minister, fired at police and repeatedly used tear gas against security forces.

Clashes erupted on Friday near the capital during an anti-government demonstration, leading to over 80 injured officers.

In response, authorities have sealed off Islamabad and cut off mobile services to prevent the march from escalating.

The capital remains on high alert, with major diplomatic events, including a visit from Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, scheduled in the coming weeks.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that although the convoy was heavily armed, police were ordered to remain unarmed to avoid escalating the violence.

The government has deployed military forces to bolster security in Islamabad.

Protesters intend to converge on the red zone, home to Pakistan’s parliament and diplomatic compounds.

While Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party denies any involvement in violence, it maintains that its goal is to hold a peaceful demonstration.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that although the convoy was heavily armed, police were ordered to remain unarmed to avoid escalating the violence. The government has deployed military forces to bolster security in Islamabad.

Protesters intend to converge on the red zone, home to Pakistan’s parliament and diplomatic compounds.

While Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party denies any involvement in violence, it maintains that its goal is to hold a peaceful demonstration.

Although the convoy was heavily armed, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that police had been ordered to remain unarmed to avoid further escalation. Military forces have been deployed to boost security in Islamabad.

Protesters aim to enter the red zone, which contains Pakistan’s parliament and key diplomatic embassies.

Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party denies any involvement in violence and insists its goal is to hold a peaceful rally.

“We will not stand for this. I warn them once more—don’t cross additional red lines or force us into extreme actions,” Naqvi stated.

The PTI says the Islamabad demonstration will last just one day, while another rally is scheduled in Lahore, where road closures are in place.

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