Chicago – November 27, 2024
Opposition supporters in Pakistan have temporarily suspended protests demanding the release of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, a day after they marched into central Islamabad. The protesters had vowed to stay in the capital until Khan was freed, but they faced heavy resistance from police. As they pushed through barriers and reached Democracy Square on Tuesday, they were met with tear gas and police force.
At least six people, including four security officers and two civilians, were killed in the clashes that began on Sunday. Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), announced on Wednesday that the protests were “temporarily suspended” due to the government’s violent response. Despite reaching the city center, protesters were dispersed by the evening.
A government source reported over 500 PTI supporters were arrested, and Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, a key figure in the protests, was said to have left the area. PTI claimed several of their members were killed during the crackdown and called for an investigation.
Khan, imprisoned for over a year on charges he claims are politically motivated, remains a powerful figure in Pakistani politics, with his party emerging as the largest group in the February elections, though it fell short of a majority.
