November 27, 2024: Supporters of Imran Khan, the jailed former Prime Minister of Pakistan, were forced to end their days-long protest in Islamabad early on Wednesday after violent clashes with security forces resulted in the deaths of at least six police officers. The confrontations broke out during a midnight crackdown, which saw law enforcement using tear gas and live ammunition to disperse protesters gathered near D-Chowk, a key location close to important government buildings.
The protests, which began on November 24, were part of an ongoing campaign by Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party demanding his release from jail. Thousands of his supporters had marched to the capital city from various parts of the country, staging sit-ins and blocking major roads. On Tuesday evening, PTI supporters succeeded in reaching D-Chowk, a symbolic spot for their demonstration, and set up a sit-in in defiance of authorities.
However, overnight, the situation turned deadly as security forces launched a large-scale operation to clear the protesters from the area. Police sources confirmed that six officers were killed, and dozens more were injured in the violent exchanges. While PTI leaders claimed that the security forces had opened fire on the protesters with the intent to kill, authorities have yet to provide an official statement regarding the use of live ammunition.
Footage aired by Pakistani TV channels showed chaotic scenes with Khan’s supporters braving clouds of tear gas and climbing on the shipping containers placed by the authorities to block roads leading to the protest site. Many protesters could be seen facing off against heavily armed police as the violence escalated.
In a statement issued after the crackdown, PTI condemned the actions of the government and military, accusing them of orchestrating a "massacre" under what they described as a "fascist military regime" led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir. "A massacre has unfolded in Pakistan at the hands of security forces under the brutal, fascist military regime. The nation is drowning in blood," PTI said in a tweet, which has sparked widespread condemnation from party supporters across the country.
Earlier in the day, as the protest intensified, Khan's supporters battled with police forces, trying to push their way towards D-Chowk, which lies near the country’s most important government buildings, including the Presidency, Prime Minister's Office, Parliament, and the Supreme Court. The protesters vowed to continue their sit-in until Khan’s release, but the violent crackdown led to a dramatic end to the demonstration.
At least 450 protesters were arrested during the operation, with more detentions expected in the coming hours. The PTI has promised to continue their efforts to secure Khan's release, but the overnight violence has significantly escalated tensions between the ruling government and the opposition.
The unrest in Islamabad has drawn concern from international observers, with calls for restraint from both sides. As of now, the situation remains tense, with the streets of the capital city still heavily patrolled by security forces.