Media reports: Imran Khan backers end protest following crackdown
Pakistani police have allegedly enforced measures against demonstrators calling for the release of the imprisoned former prime minister. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
This week, demonstrators surged into Islamabad to demand the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned. Supporters from Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party announced a “temporary suspension” of street protests in the capital on Wednesday, following a midnight raid by security forces, as reported by media outlets.
Starting Sunday, thousands of Khan’s supporters marched toward Islamabad to call for his release. The 71-year-old ex-leader, ousted in April 2022, faces over 150 charges that his party denounces as politically motivated.
According to local broadcaster Geo News, the PTI's statement on Wednesday cited the “temporary suspension of our peaceful protest” due to the government’s “brutality.” Reports indicate that at least eight PTI members lost their lives during a standoff with law enforcement on Tuesday night.
Media sources, including Geo News, reported a significant raid by security forces in central Islamabad, where lights were turned off and tear gas was deployed. Police maintained that no lethal weapons were used during the operation, which resulted in nearly 1,000 arrests. Government officials mentioned that several security personnel, including four paramilitary soldiers, were killed in the clashes, where more than 10,000 protesters faced off against roughly 20,000 security forces.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed to reporters on Wednesday that roads connecting Islamabad to the rest of the country had been reopened after protesters were dispersed.
Bushra Bibi, Khan’s wife, who was leading the protest, reportedly escaped unharmed, although authorities are actively seeking her arrest. She had recently been released from prison after an appeal dismissed the government’s case against her and Khan related to alleged violations of Islamic law regarding their marriage.
Khan is being held in the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. His legal troubles began with anti-terrorism charges, followed by corruption accusations, claims of improperly receiving foreign gifts, allegations of revealing state secrets, and purported violations of Islamic law regarding his marriage.
The former prime minister has accused the Pakistani military and the United States of orchestrating his ousting, alleging that Washington conspired against his government after his visit to Russia. The PTI claims to have won the popular vote in the February elections but asserts that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the military manipulated the results to maintain their hold on power. The PTI has indicated that it will soon announce its future course of action.
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
Starting Sunday, thousands of Khan’s supporters marched toward Islamabad to call for his release. The 71-year-old ex-leader, ousted in April 2022, faces over 150 charges that his party denounces as politically motivated.
According to local broadcaster Geo News, the PTI's statement on Wednesday cited the “temporary suspension of our peaceful protest” due to the government’s “brutality.” Reports indicate that at least eight PTI members lost their lives during a standoff with law enforcement on Tuesday night.
Media sources, including Geo News, reported a significant raid by security forces in central Islamabad, where lights were turned off and tear gas was deployed. Police maintained that no lethal weapons were used during the operation, which resulted in nearly 1,000 arrests. Government officials mentioned that several security personnel, including four paramilitary soldiers, were killed in the clashes, where more than 10,000 protesters faced off against roughly 20,000 security forces.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed to reporters on Wednesday that roads connecting Islamabad to the rest of the country had been reopened after protesters were dispersed.
Bushra Bibi, Khan’s wife, who was leading the protest, reportedly escaped unharmed, although authorities are actively seeking her arrest. She had recently been released from prison after an appeal dismissed the government’s case against her and Khan related to alleged violations of Islamic law regarding their marriage.
Khan is being held in the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. His legal troubles began with anti-terrorism charges, followed by corruption accusations, claims of improperly receiving foreign gifts, allegations of revealing state secrets, and purported violations of Islamic law regarding his marriage.
The former prime minister has accused the Pakistani military and the United States of orchestrating his ousting, alleging that Washington conspired against his government after his visit to Russia. The PTI claims to have won the popular vote in the February elections but asserts that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the military manipulated the results to maintain their hold on power. The PTI has indicated that it will soon announce its future course of action.
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
