Pakistan Deploys Army Amid Escalating Clashes #

Pakistan’s military entered the capital as clashes intensified between police and supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The government reported at least six security forces were killed in the violence, as protesters marched towards Islamabad demanding Khan’s release. Police used tear gas and rubber bullets as demonstrators dismantled roadblocks while chanting “Revolution! Revolution!”

Imran Khan, a popular politician and former cricketer, has been imprisoned since last August over corruption charges, which are claimed to be politically motivated. Pakistan’s government imposed a lockdown in the capital, blocking highways and suspending communication services. Nevertheless, protesters penetrated the city by Monday night.

Four paramilitary troops were alleged to have been killed by protesters running vehicles over them, although Khan’s party denied involvement. Earlier skirmishes saw two police officers killed. Journalists faced attacks from protesters, with an Associated Press photographer assaulted and his vehicle damaged.

Despite being deposed as prime minister in 2022, Khan has maintained popularity and continued to organize large rallies. His tensions with Pakistan’s military escalated following elections said to be rigged against his party. Mr. Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, led the protests, rallying in Peshawar and joining demonstrators in Islamabad. She declared that protesters would not retreat until Khan was freed. “We will go back only if Khan comes out and tells us to go back,” she said.

The government contends Imran Khan provokes chaos through protests, while Khan accuses the government and military of conspiring against him, including election manipulation and curbing judicial power. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif condemned the protesters’ violence against security officers, stating, “Pakistan cannot afford any chaos or bloodshed, and violence for malicious political objectives is unacceptable.”