1 / 12Protests Turn Deadly with Six Fatalities: At least six individuals, including four paramilitary personnel, lost their lives on Tuesday as violent clashes erupted in Islamabad between security forces and supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The protesters, demanding Khan’s release from jail, confronted heavy security near the capital’s red zone. (AP photo)
2 / 12Demonstrators Breach Secured Zone: Thousands of Khan’s supporters, led by his wife Bushra Bibi, entered Islamabad’s heavily guarded red zone, which houses key government offices, including parliament, and diplomatic missions. Security forces eventually repelled the protesters after hours of tense standoffs. (Reuters photo)
3 / 12PTI Pushes for Khan’s Release: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by Khan, pledged to stage a sit-in outside the parliament until their demand for his release is met. Khan has been detained since August 2023 on charges including corruption and instigation of violence. (Reuters photo)
4 / 12Government Rejects Negotiation: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi categorically ruled out talks with the protesters. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accused the demonstrators of causing the deaths of paramilitary personnel, alleging they rammed a convoy of vehicles into security forces. (AP photo)
5 / 12Reports of Casualties Among Protesters: PTI claimed that two of its supporters were killed—one reportedly shot dead, and another run over by a vehicle. Thirty others were injured in the confrontations. However, authorities did not confirm these claims, and independent verification remains unavailable. (AP photo)
6 / 12Rights Groups Express Concern: Amnesty International called on the government to ensure the rights of protesters are protected, condemning alleged “shoot-on-sight” orders that give extensive powers to security forces. The ongoing unrest has also impacted Pakistan’s economy. The benchmark stock index fell 3.57% on Tuesday, reflecting investor concerns over the country’s growing instability. (AP photo)
7 / 12Khan’s Message from Jail: In a statement from prison, Khan urged his supporters to continue their peaceful demonstrations. “We will not back down until our demands are met,” he stated, framing the protests as a fight for Pakistan’s future. (Reuters photo)
8 / 12Intensified Clashes and Escalation: The latest demonstrations saw protesters using steel rods and slingshots while setting trees and grass on fire. Gunfire was reported near the protests, but it remains unclear which side was responsible for the shooting. (AP photo)
9 / 12Army Deployed in Red Zone: Authorities deployed military personnel to protect diplomatic missions and key government buildings in the red zone. Officials also indicated that a curfew might be imposed if the situation worsens. (Reuters photo)
10 / 12Political Deadlock Continues: PTI dismissed Sharif’s allegations that its supporters caused the deaths of security personnel and reaffirmed its intention to hold a sit-in until its demands are addressed. The party also criticised recent constitutional amendments, alleging they undermine judicial independence. (Reuters photo)
11 / 12Khan’s Legal Troubles and Popular Support: Imran Khan, ousted from power in 2022, faces multiple legal challenges, including corruption and incitement charges, all of which he denies. His detainment has triggered numerous protests, with his supporters claiming the cases are politically motivated. (File photo)
12 / 12Call for Resolution: Experts emphasised the need for dialogue to de-escalate the crisis. Michael Kugelman, a South Asia expert, stated, “A political solution, one with negotiations and concessions, is the only way out of this crisis.” However, entrenched positions on both sides resolve challenging in the deeply polarised political environment. (AP photo)
