Thousands of supporters of Pakistan's imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan broke through the barricades and entered the capital Islamabad. They broke through the barricades around the capital and entered Islamabad on Tuesday morning. At that time they clashed with the security forces and protested demanding the release of Imran Khan. Six people have already been killed in the conflict.

According to CNN, the Pakistani government implemented strict security measures across the country to prevent protests, shutting down internet services and barricading main roads leading to the capital to prevent protesters from entering. Earlier, Imran Khan called his supporters to march towards Parliament.

Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told reporters that protesters could stay on the outskirts of Islamabad, but warned of strict action if they entered the city.

The protests come at a time when security has been beefed up in Islamabad. Because Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko arrived in Pakistan on a three-day visit on Monday.

what is happening

A convoy of Imran Khan's supporters left Peshawar in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province for the capital Islamabad as part of the 'Long March' last Sunday. Distance from Peshawar to Islamabad is about 180 km. Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur are leading the convoy. Khan's party is in power in this province. The protesters planned to stage the protest at D-Chowk, a large open area near Parliament.

The protesters reached the outskirts of Islamabad on Monday. They have to face many obstacles on the way. However, no clashes occurred during this time. However, the police at various places tried to disrupt the march by firing tear gas to disperse the procession and blocking roads with shipping containers.

In a video circulating on social media, a police station is on fire and flames are burning at different parts of the highway. A Reuters report said 22 police vehicles were torched just outside Islamabad and elsewhere in Punjab province.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday morning, protesters broke through barricades at the entrances to Islamabad city and a large procession was seen crossing the city's zero point. Later the convoy proceeded towards D-Chowk through the 'Blue Area', the commercial area of ​​Islamabad. Soldiers are seen stationed outside important government buildings in Islamabad, such as Parliament, the Supreme Court and the Secretariat.

How long will the protest last?

Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said members of the security forces were shot. Still the police are showing 'restraint' towards the protesters. If the protesters cross the line, the security forces are also authorized to fire back, he warned. He added that additional measures like imposing curfew or deploying military forces may be taken.

The army has been deployed in Pakistan's federal capital, Islamabad, till the latest news. Also ordered to shoot on sight. The army has been deployed in the capital under Article 245 of the country's constitution. A source in the security forces said that the army has been deployed under Article 245. Besides, strict orders have been issued to deal with the situation, so that instability and armed assailants are suppressed with a firm hand. Apart from this, the order to 'shoot on sight' has also been issued, the source said.

Interior Minister Naqvi said the Rangers (paramilitary force) can open fire and if they are allowed to — within five minutes there will be no protesters (in Islamabad).' He further said, 'Anyone who reaches here (D-chowk) will be arrested.

Meanwhile, Imran Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf called the protests peaceful, accusing the government of excessive force and firing on protesters. Around two dozen protesters were injured, PTI reported.

In the past few days, the government has launched a massive crackdown to quell the protests. Thousands of Imran Khan's supporters have been arrested in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces to prevent protests. This number is about 4 thousand.

On the other hand, educational institutions in Islamabad and nearby Rawalpindi have been closed to avoid any possible damage. Not only that, but as per Reuters report, all types of inter-city public transport and terminals have been closed.

Senior PTI leader Kamran Bangash said the protesters are determined and we will reach Islamabad. He further said, we will overcome all obstacles one by one.