Islamabad witnessed a dramatic escalation of political tension on Tuesday as thousands of supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan stormed the high-security Red Zone. This unprecedented move, part of a larger ‘long march’ protest demanding Khan’s release, triggered a swift and forceful response from Pakistani security forces, resulting in violent clashes, widespread arrests, and tragically, the loss of life.
The protest, organized by Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, began peacefully on Sunday with a march from the northwest. However, tensions reached a boiling point on Tuesday as protesters, led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, breached security barricades and surged into the Red Zone, home to government buildings and foreign embassies. The ensuing confrontation involved the deployment of tear gas, gunfire, and a heavy-handed security response.
The violence resulted in the deaths of six people: four security personnel and two PTI supporters, according to reports by Dawn News and ARY News. These casualties occurred amidst a chaotic scene involving a vehicle ploughing into a crowd and separate incidents of violence between security forces and protestors. The government reported arresting over 4,000 PTI supporters since Friday, underscoring the scale of the crackdown.
Adding to the chaos, authorities implemented widespread communication disruptions. Mobile and internet services were suspended in parts of the country, severely impacting WhatsApp—a key communication tool for PTI— and blocking access to X (formerly Twitter), even through VPNs. This digital clampdown, coupled with the physical blockade of major roads into Islamabad using shipping containers, effectively choked the flow of information and restricted movement.
The government’s response extended beyond arrests and communication restrictions. Public rallies were banned in Islamabad last week, and educational institutions remain closed amidst the uncertainty. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the eventual clearing of the Red Zone, stating that the area remains under heavy military control, particularly D-Chowk where Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko was reportedly staying. The Minister confirmed the PTI’s rejection of an offer to protest outside the Red Zone.
Imran Khan, imprisoned for over a year and facing more than 150 criminal charges which his party claims are politically motivated, has been a central figure in the ongoing political turmoil. His wife, Bushra Bibi, initially played a prominent role in leading demonstrations but fled when security forces moved in. The government, through Information Minister Atta Tarar, accused her of inciting violence. The government continues to maintain that Khan’s release can only come through court order, not through street protests. Meanwhile, PTI supporters, some vowing to remain in Islamabad until Khan’s release, displayed unwavering resolve, underscoring the deep divisions within Pakistani society.
The political unrest has had a devastating impact on Pakistan’s already fragile economy. The Pakistan Stock Exchange suffered losses exceeding $1.7 billion on Tuesday, reflecting investor anxieties. Economist Mohammed Sohail of Topline Securities highlighted the devastating effect of rising political tensions on an economy already struggling with economic hardship. The events in Islamabad highlight the deeply volatile political landscape in Pakistan and the high stakes of the ongoing power struggle between the government and Imran Khan’s PTI party.
