Several security forces killed during protests in Pakistan

According to the Interior Ministry, six security forces have been killed in Pakistan during protests in support of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

More than a hundred forces were injured in the riots, it was reported. A police spokesman also spoke of at least 50 injured demonstrators on Monday. In view of the escalation of the situation, the military took over the security of the capital Islamabad.

On Sunday, thousands of Khan's supporters set off on a protest march towards Islamabad in order to force the politician's release. Since the weekend, the capital has been sealed off with shipping containers and mobile internet has been blocked. Security forces used batons and tear gas to prevent the demonstrators from entering the capital.

Hundreds of arrests

According to Khan's PTI party, the demonstrators finally managed to make their way into Islamabad late on Monday evening. As the German Press Agency learned from secret service circles, more than 500 arrests have been made so far.

The popular former prime minister Khan has been in custody since August 2023 following a guilty verdict for corruption, and dozens of other criminal proceedings against him are ongoing. Khan denies the allegations and sees himself as a victim of a justice system abused for political purposes. His supporters regularly protest for his release.

SDA