Pakistan: Clash breaks out as Imran Khan's supporters march to Islamabad; 5 killed
PTC News Desk: Former prime minister and jailed PTI leader Imran Khan's supporters clashed with police and security personnel during their march towards Islamabad. The march turned violent killing five security personnel and injuring dozens.
The protest march led by Khan's wife Bushra Bibi which began on Sunday and reached Islamabad on Monday evening encountered a vehement clash with police and security forces. According to local media reports, one police officer was fatally shot, and four paratroopers were run over by protesters.
The city witnessed a series of attacks on police as the protestors marched towards capital. Imran Khan, the PTI chief, had issued a "final call" for nationwide protests starting Sunday, rejecting what he described as a "stolen mandate". The party urged the public to join the demonstrations to "break the shackles of slavery".
Security forces in huge number were deployed to stop the marching protesters. Highways were blocked using shipping containers, concrete barriers, and barricades.
The government is planning stringent actions, with Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warning the former ruling party of serious "consequences" if they enter the high-security zone.
- With inputs from agencies
