Chaos in Islamabad: Nearly 1,000 arrested as Imran Khan supporters clash with police

In a dramatic escalation of political unrest, Pakistani authorities detained nearly 1,000 supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan this week, following a series of protests that turned deadly in Islamabad. The demonstrations, driven by demands for Imran Khan’s immediate release from prison, highlight the deepening political crisis that has gripped the country.

The protests erupted as thousands of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters, led by Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, stormed the capital, breaking through multiple security barricades to reach key government areas. Authorities confirmed at least six fatalities, including four security personnel and two protesters, during violent clashes that also left hundreds injured.

The police described the protesters’ actions as a direct threat to public order, prompting a sweeping crackdown. Despite the official tally of nearly 1,000 arrests, PTI representatives alleged that the number was significantly higher, accusing the government of using excessive force. They claimed that hundreds of protesters suffered gunshot wounds, although these allegations have yet to be independently verified.

Islamabad on lockdown amid unrest

In response to the protests, the government imposed a comprehensive security lockdown across the capital. Major roads were blocked with shipping containers, and public transportation services were suspended to curb the movement of demonstrators. Authorities also cut mobile and internet services in some areas, adding to the disruptions faced by residents.

The unrest caused significant disruption to daily life, with businesses shuttered and schools closed as tension mounted. Despite the heavy security presence, demonstrators persisted, gathering in significant numbers near sensitive government zones.

Bushra Bibi, who spearheaded the protests, has called for the immediate release of her husband, describing his imprisonment as politically motivated. Khan, who has been detained since August 2023 on multiple charges, including corruption, remains a highly divisive figure in Pakistani politics. His supporters view him as a victim of political persecution, while his critics argue that his actions have undermined the rule of law.

Government criticised over heavy-handed response

The Sharif administration’s handling of the unrest has drawn criticism from human rights organisations and political observers. Amnesty International expressed concerns about the use of excessive force, urging the government to uphold the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. The organisation has also called for an independent investigation into the fatalities and injuries reported during the protests.

Observers warn that the government’s hardline approach risks exacerbating tensions, further alienating Khan’s supporters and deepening political polarisation. Meanwhile, analysts have noted that the unrest is not just a political challenge but also a significant economic risk, as investor confidence falters in the face of prolonged instability.

The future of Pakistan’s political crisis

As the situation unfolds, both the government and PTI have hinted at the possibility of dialogue. However, with both sides entrenched in their positions, a resolution seems distant. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration faces mounting pressure to balance law enforcement with the need to protect democratic freedoms.

Imran Khan’s imprisonment has become a focal point for broader grievances among his supporters, who accuse the current administration of mismanagement and corruption. The protests underscore the deep divisions within Pakistan, reflecting a country at a crossroads as it grapples with its democratic future.

The coming days will likely prove pivotal in determining whether the nation can steer towards reconciliation or if further unrest looms. For now, Islamabad remains under tight security as the world watches Pakistan’s political drama unfold.