ISLAMABAD: Jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s supporters reached the heart of Pakistan’s capital on Tuesday after removing barricades and battling police in clashes that killed six security personnel and injured dozens.
Four paramilitary Rangers and two policemen were killed late on Monday and over 100 security personnel were injured when protesters marching towards D-Chowk turned violent, prompting the government to deploy the army in Islamabad along with shoot-at-sight orders, state-run media said on Tuesday.
The former premier, who has been in jail since August last year, issued a “final call” on November 13 for nationwide protests on November 24, denouncing what he termed as the stolen mandate, the unjust arrests of people and the passage of the 26th amendment, which he said has strengthened a “dictatorial regime”.
Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi, who led the protests, said told the protestors to go away only if Khan comes in person to tell you about the next course of action.
Interior Minister Naqvi, at a media interaction on Monday night, said over 100 security personnel were injured. Radio Pakistan reported that the Pakistan Army was called in “to deal with the miscreants with an iron hand” and “clear orders have also been issued to shoot miscreants and troublemakers on sight.”
A case was registered under the Anti-Terrorism Act against Imran Khan and other PTI leaders over their alleged role in the killing of a police officer during the protest.