Army Deployed in Islamabad Amid Escalating Protests for Imran Khan's Release

In a dramatic turn of events, the Pakistani military has been deployed in Islamabad as protests led by supporters of ousted Prime Minister Imran Khan turn violent. The government has taken stringent measures to quell unrest, resulting in serious clashes and casualties among security forces.

In a stark manifestation of escalating tensions in Pakistan, the military was deployed in Islamabad on Tuesday as protests against the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan reached a boiling point. The government issued directives permitting soldiers to use lethal force if necessary, as clashes erupted between police and a throng of Khan's supporters. Reports indicate that at least six security personnel have died amid the turmoil.

Supporters of Khan, who have grown increasingly restless as they demand the politician's release from prison, converged on the capital from various regions. While police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets, protesters fiercely dismantled barricades, moving shipping containers meant to obstruct their path. In an atmosphere charged with patriotic fervor, supporters played music and danced, chanting for what they termed a "revolution."

Khan, a charismatic political figure and former cricket star, has been incarcerated since August of the previous year upon allegations of corruption, which he and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (P.T.I.), strongly deny. Despite the government declaring a lockdown in the capital and cutting off cellular and internet services, protesters managed to break through barriers late Monday night.

Officials disclosed that the army's primary role would be to secure crucial government sites, but accusations have emerged that paramilitary members faced fatal incidents caused by protester actions, which P.T.I. refuted. Reports also confirmed casualties among police forces amidst the ongoing violence. The situation remains tense, with the potential for further escalation as protests continue.