Pakistan deploys army in its capital as protesters and police clash

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – Pakistan deployed its army in the nation’s capital on Nov 26 with orders to shoot protesters if necessary, as deadly clashes escalated between the police and supporters of

former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The government said at least six members of the security force

had been killed in the violence,

as thousands of protesters marched to Islamabad to demand Khan’s release from prison. Hospital officials told local news media that at least four civilians had died from bullet wounds, with more than 50 others being treated for various injuries in two government hospitals.

At a news conference on Nov 26 night, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar denied that police had opened fire on protesters.

Police had earlier used tear gas and rubber bullets against the demonstrators, who pressed toward a public square near major government offices where they planned to hold a rally.

Khan, an enormously popular politician and former cricket star who has been jailed since August 2023, had called for the demonstration over the weekend. He accuses the government and the military of conspiring to crush his party and undermine democracy, including by rigging elections. He has also criticised recent legal changes that limit the power of Pakistan’s judiciary, arguing that they are meant to keep him out of power.

The government, which says the charges against Khan are legitimate, depicts him as a figure who is unwilling to follow the rule of law and has accused him of causing chaos through his protests.

Pakistan’s government put Islamabad on lockdown last weekend. But protesters managed to enter the city on Nov 25 night.

Security officials said on Nov 26 that the army had been deployed to secure important government sites and that troops had been ordered to shoot if needed.

Officials also said four paramilitary troops had been killed overnight by protesters who ran over them with a vehicle. Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, or PTI, denied that accusation. Two police officers were reported to have been killed in earlier violence.

Khan, who was ousted as prime minister in 2022, was arrested last year on various corruption charges, which he and his supporters say were politically motivated. NEW YORK TIMES