Thousands of opposition protesters have converged on Pakistan’s heavily-barricaded capital, demanding the release of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.
The convoy – which is aiming for a square in the centre of Islamabad – has already clashed with security forces, who have been firing tear gas and rubber bullets at the marchers in an attempt to disperse them.
According to the prime minister’s office, four paramilitary soldiers have been killed in a hit-and-run, which it has blamed on Khan’s supporters. This has not been independently verified.
Khan has been held in prison for more than a year, facing a slew of charges and sentences which he alleges are politically motivated.
Even from behind bars, the former cricket star has proved a powerful player in Pakistan politics. During elections in February, his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, which had been forced to run candidates as independents, emerged as the single largest bloc.
However, they fell short of the majority and their rivals united to form a new government.
As a result, protesters are also calling for the overturning of election results they say were rigged – a claim disputed by the government.
It was Khan who called on his supporters to take to the streets at the weekend, issuing a “final call” and asking them to stay in the capital until their demands are met.
That was after the authorities introduced a ban on public gatherings.
The government responded by blocking Islamabad’s streets with shipping containers, and bussing in police from across the country.
Pakistan’s interior minister said the protesters had been offered an alternative venue for their protest but had refused.
The unrest has caused some internet services to be suspended, while schools and colleges have been shut because of fears of violence.
After days on the road, the protest has now reached the edges of the city centre.
