The former prime minister’s supporters are calling for his release from prison by marching to Islamabad, the nation’s capital.
One killed, dozens injured in Imran Khan protest in Pakistan
In Pakistan, supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan have battled with security forces outside the capital, Islamabad, resulting in at least one police officer being murdered and scores of people injured, according to officials and Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
After Khan called for a sit-in and march on parliament to demand his release, authorities imposed a security lockdown on the nation for the last two days.
According to provincial police head Usman Anwar, skirmishes just outside Islamabad and other locations in Punjab province on Monday resulted in the shooting death of one police officer, the injuries of at least 119 others, and the burning of 22 police cars. He stated that two cops were critically ill.
According to the PTI, several employees have been hurt during the demonstration thus far.
According to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, individuals accountable for the police officer’s killing would be held accountable.
During Constable Muhammad Mubashir’s burial in Rawalpindi, Naqvi stated that police personnel have been slain during political protests before.
“They attacked our martyred personnel last time as well, and we had to hold another funeral today,” Naqvi told the journalists.
“The people who summoned the demonstrators will be held accountable for this fatality. We won’t spare anyone, and all of them will be the subject of filed cases.
Khan has referred to the protest march as the “final call.” Since he was imprisoned in August of last year, his party has organised many protest marches to demand his release.
According to his party, the march that reached just outside of Islamabad on Monday night was headed by Bushra Bibi, the incarcerated leader’s third wife, and Ali Amin Gandapur, a crucial adviser and the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
When PTI leader Asim Arbab arrived at the entrance point to Islamabad, he told Al Jazeera, “Physically, it has been very challenging to constantly travel in this cold, but our spirits are high and we look forward to reach our destination later tonight.”