Pakistan deploys Army in its capital as protesters and Police clash

Soldiers were ordered to defend government buildings with gunfire, if needed, as supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan demanded his release from prison.

Pakistan deployed its army within the Nation’s capital on Tuesday 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 that at least six members of the security force had been killed in the violence, as thousands of protesters marched to Islamabad to demand his release from prison.

The police used tear gas and rubber bullets against the demonstrators, who pressed ahead toward a public square near major government offices, where they planned to hold a rally. They were dismantling roadblocks and moving shipping containers that had been put in place to stop them. Patriotic songs blared from vehicles, and supporters of Khan danced in front of the slow-moving convoy, some chanting, “Revolution! Revolution!! ”

Khan, an enormously popular politician and former star cricketer who has been jailed since August of last year, called for the demonstration over the weekend. Pakistan’s military-backed civilian government put the capital on lockdown, blocking major highways and suspending cellular and internet services in several areas. But protesters managed to enter the city on Monday night.

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

New York Times

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