“Fight Until The Last…”: Imran Khan Says as Supporters’ Protest Turns Violent (Image: Amnesty South Asia)
Supporters of Pakistan’s jailed former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, clashed with security forces in Islamabad on Tuesday as protests over his imprisonment turned violent. Thousands of demonstrators, defying security lockdowns and internet blackouts, demanded Khan’s release and an end to what they claim is political persecution.
Imran Khan, addressing the nation from Adiala Jail, commended the protesters for their resolve, urging them to remain peaceful but steadfast. He accused the authorities of excessive force, stating, “On Mohsin Naqvi’s instructions, paramilitary Rangers and police relentlessly fired teargas and even shot at our workers, resulting in casualties. They will have to answer for this.”
The protests followed Khan’s call for a mass march to parliament, with a convoy led by his wife Bushra Bibi and senior party leaders setting off from Peshawar. By Tuesday, protesters breached Islamabad’s city limits, clashing with police and security forces. Demonstrators set fire to a police post and vehicles, while authorities used tear gas and roadblocks to deter them.
At least six people, including four security officials, have died, while several others were injured. Hospitals reported injuries from clashes, and authorities claimed protesters had attacked law enforcement personnel. However, Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party accused the government of using live ammunition against peaceful demonstrators.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warned of severe consequences should protesters cross further into the city. “Rangers could open fire, and there will be no protesters after five minutes,” he said, adding that curfews and military deployment could be imposed.
Khan, addressing his supporters through social media, declared, “We will not back down until our demands are met. This is a struggle for Pakistan’s survival and true freedom.” He called on overseas Pakistanis and social media activists to amplify their message globally.
The protests have disrupted daily life in Islamabad and neighbouring Rawalpindi, with schools closed and public transport suspended. Thousands of Khan’s supporters have reportedly been arrested across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces in recent days.
Khan, a former cricketer-turned-politician, was ousted in a no-confidence vote in 2022. Since then, he has led a popular campaign against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government, accusing it of colluding with the military to remove him. He remains in jail on multiple charges, which he and his party deny.
