A police officer was killed and dozens were wounded Monday in violent clashes between security forces and supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan on the outskirts of Pakistan’s capital.
The confrontations erupted as Khan’s supporters attempted to march on parliament for a planned sit-in demanding his release. Provincial Information Minister Uzma Bukhari reported that approximately 70 police officers were injured in the violence, while Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party said numerous supporters were also wounded.
Authorities have imposed a stringent security lockdown around Islamabad, using shipping containers to block major roads and positioning riot-equipped police and paramilitary forces throughout the city. Public transportation in the eastern province of Punjab has been suspended to prevent protesters from reaching the capital.
“We wouldn’t let them storm the capital,” Bukhari said at a press conference, confirming about 80 of Khan’s supporters had been arrested. She noted several other clashes had been reported across the province.
Officials and witnesses reported all intercity public transport and terminals in Punjab province have been shut down to restrict protester movements. Security forces have maintained barricades on highways leading into Islamabad for the past two days.
