Supporters of imprisoned Imran Khan are calling for his release and fighting security forces in Islamabad

Supporters demanding the release of jailed Imran Khan – the former prime minister of Pakistan – broke through a ring of shipping containers blocking the capital on Tuesday and battled security forces despite the government’s threat to use firearms in response. Six people died as a result of the violence.

Thousands of security forces have descended on central Islamabad to try to quell pro-Khan protests that have gripped the capital and surrounding areas since Sunday. The popular politician has been in prison for months and faces more than 150 criminal cases that his party says are politically motivated.

Authorities say only courts can order the release of Khan, who was deposed in 2022 through a vote of no confidence in Parliament. He has been in prison since then his first conviction in a bribery case in August 2023

On Tuesday, the Pakistani army took control of D-Chowk, a large square in the Red Zone in central Islamabad where key government buildings are located and where Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is visiting. Paramilitary guards and police were also at the scene, and some fired warning shots into the air.

Still, Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, who is leading the protests, slowly moved towards the square in a heavily guarded convoy, surrounded by well-wishers.

Security forces may use live fire

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi threatened that security forces would respond with heavy fire if protesters fired weapons at them.

“We have now allowed the police to take any decision depending on the situation,” Naqvi later said during a visit to the square.

Protester Shahzor Ali said people took to the streets because Khan called on them.

“We will remain here until Khan is among us. He will decide what to do next,” Ali said. “If they fire bullets again, the bullet will be answered by a bullet,” he said.

So far, police have tried to disperse the crowd using tear gas. The dead include four members of the security services and one civilian; were killed when a vehicle hit them in the street overnight into Tuesday.

“Anarchist group” attacking law enforcement: PM

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, saying an “anarchist group” was deliberately targeting law enforcement personnel. There was no allegation of liability for the ramming. The policeman died separately.

Many people were also injured, including journalists attacked by protesters. Dozens of Khan’s supporters beat up a cameraman recording a protest for the Associated Press and took his camera. He suffered head injuries and was treated in hospital.

Pakistani media largely stopped filming and photographing the rally, instead focusing on the security measures and the city’s deserted streets.

On Tuesday afternoon, new waves of unopposed protesters reached their destination in the Red Zone. Most protesters carried the flag of Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, on their shoulders or wore its colors on accessories.

Naqvi said Khan’s party rejected the government’s offer to hold rallies on the outskirts of the city.

Khan’s spouse ‘wants bloodshed’: minister

Information Minister Atta Tarar warned that the government would respond to the violence. He said the government did not want Bibi to achieve her goal of freeing Khan. “I want bodies to fall to the ground. I want bloodshed,” he said.

To quell the unrest, police have arrested more than 4,000 Khan supporters since Friday and suspended cellphone and internet services in some parts of the country. In the capital, communication platforms also experienced severe disruptions.

Khan’s party relies heavily on social media to demand his release and uses messaging platforms such as WhatsApp to share information, including details of events. Platform X, which is banned in Pakistan, is no longer available, even with a VPN.

On Thursday, a court banned rallies in the capital, and Naqvi said anyone violating the ban would be arrested. Travel between Islamabad and other cities has become almost impossible with shipping containers blocking the roads. All educational institutions remain closed.