Imran Khan's supporters are gathering in the capital from different parts of Pakistan. A large number of PTI supporters have already reached Islamabad on Tuesday to demand fresh elections and Imran's release. At one point they reached D-Choke, also known as the Red Zone of Islamabad.
Live reports from the BBC and Al-Jazeera on Tuesday night revealed that Imran Khan's supporters were initially removed from D-Chowk by Pakistani security forces. However, the protesters did not leave Islamabad. They are located just a few hundred meters away from the D-chowk.
In this situation, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan gave a message to the supporters to continue the fight from the prison. He urged his supporters to remain peaceful and united, saying, 'Stay strong until our demands are met.'
A post from Imran Khan's account on social media X read, 'My message to the team is, fight till the end, we will not back down.'
Imran's message further mentions, 'I also have a message for those who are threatening trial in a military court. Do what you must, I will not budge from my position.'
Imran Khan urged his followers to reach D Chowk at any cost. He said the police and Rangers opened fire on the protesters on the orders of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Killed and injured some. He must be held accountable for his actions.
Imran Khan's supporters trying to reach Islamabad's D Chowk were reportedly repelled by police and paramilitary forces. Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi is also staying with the protesters.
At least six people have been killed in the ongoing protests. Of these, four are members of paramilitary forces and two are protesters.
The media reported that a section of the protesters managed to get close to De Chowk, but were later forced to retreat in the face of security forces. The streets of the city were blocked with shipping containers to prevent the protesters from entering.
Thousands of Imran Khan's supporters are staying near D-Chowk on Tuesday night till the latest news. To escape from the extreme cold, they burn paper, bushes and garbage on the streets and light fires.
“Imran Khan has asked us to fight for our rights,” said Muhammad Shahid, a protester from Punjab. We are here to protect our fundamental rights.'
Imran Khan gave a 'last call' to his supporters calling for a stand in Islamabad. They demand that the correct results of the recent elections in Pakistan should be published. There has been massive fraud in this election. However, the Pakistani government has denied this allegation.
The Pakistani government has already banned public gatherings and brought in police from different parts of the country to gather in Islamabad. The streets of Islamabad have been cordoned off. Educational institutions are closed. Internet services have also been restricted.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said about the protests, “These protesters don't want revolution, they want bloodshed.”
Imran Khan has been in jail for almost a year. He alleged that the cases brought against him were politically motivated. From prison, he maintains his influence and continues to inspire supporters.
Imran Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) won the largest number of seats in the February elections contested by independent candidates. But the party failed to get the majority to form the government. Currently, the supporters of the party are continuing their agitation demanding new elections.
