Thursday 26 / December / 2024
Pakistan’s security forces launched a sweeping midnight raid on supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan after they stormed Islamabad demanding his release, local media said, with hundreds of them arrested.
Local broadcasters Geo News and ARY both reported that a massive raid was launched by security forces amidst a pitch-dark central Islamabad, where lights had been turned off and teargas was fired.
Earlier in the day, thousands of protesters had gathered in Islamabad city center after a convoy, led by Khan’s wife, broke through several lines of security all the way to the city’s Red Zone, which houses the country’s most important offices and buildings.
Interior minister says there'll be no talks with protesters
Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi ruled out any negotiations with the protesters.
He also insinuated that Khan's wife was responsible for all economic losses and the people killed during the protests.
Protesters, led by Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, reached the edge of D-Chowk in Islamabad's highly fortified red zone, with some reaching the square.
At least six people were killed, and dozens injured in the clashes.
Khan urges supporters to stay in streets 'until demands are met'
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed his supporters from jail in a post on the platform X, saying that they had "stood up for their rights [and] engaged in peaceful protests."
He urged his supporters to continue fighting and to "not back down until our demands are met."
Imran Khan's PTI party is demanding the release of the jailed former leader and the resignation of the current government, which it accuses of manipulating February elections.
He called for protesters to make their way to the D-Chowk square, which is a historic rallying point that lies on the edge of the fortified Red Zone that contains key government buildings.Recap: Key moments so far
Supporters of imprisoned Pakistani former Prime Minister Imran Khan have stormed Islamabad, seeking his release.
Tens of thousands of Khan's supporters broke through heavily fortified barriers, gathering at D-Chowk in Islamabad, in the center of the capital where the parliament, supreme court, and prime minister's office are situated.
Imran Khan, from jail, urged his supporters to continue protests until their demands, including his release and the government's resignation, are met.
Four security officers were killed after being run over by a speeding vehicle on the Srinagar Highway in Islamabad, according to police. There were also reports of several people being wounded, including journalists who had been attacked by Khan supporters.
The government has deployed thousands of police, paramilitary personnel, and soldiers, placing the capital under an indefinite lockdown since Saturday due to threats from Khan's supporters to release him by force.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi says there will be no negotiations with protesters.
