Pakistan's army troops and police officers take positions at D-Chowk square close to Red Zone, which is an area that houses key government buildings, ahead of a protest by supporters of imprisoned former premier Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024.
Supporters seeking the release of the imprisoned Imran Khan — the former prime minister of Pakistan — broke through a ring of shipping containers blocking off the capital on Tuesday and battled security forces, despite a government threat to respond with gunfire. Six people have died in the violence.
Still, Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, who is leading the protests, made slow progress toward the square in a heavily guarded convoy, surrounded by well-wishers.Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi threatened that security forces would respond with live fire if protesters fired weapons at them. Police so far have used tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowds. The dead include four members of the security services and one civilian; they were killed when a vehicle rammed them on a street overnight into Tuesday.Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denounced the attack, saying an "anarchist group" was deliberately targeting law enforcement personnel. There was no claim of responsibility for the ramming. A police officer died separately.
By Tuesday afternoon, fresh waves of protesters made their way unopposed to their final destination in the Red Zone. Most demonstrators had the flag of Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, around their shoulders or wore its colours on accessories.Khan's spouse 'wants bloodshed': minister
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