Islamabad Lockdown: Protesters Breach Heavy Bandobast, Situation Tense

Islamabad, heavy shelling on PTI workers in darkness. 

At least six people, including four paramilitary soldiers killed during protest. 

"Salutations to the people of Pakistan and the workers of Tehreek-e-Insaf who stood up for their rights, engaged in peaceful protests and stood firm for their demands and true freedom in the face of the mafia imposed on the country. My message to my team is to fight till the end, we will not back down until our demands are met. On the instructions of Mohsin Naqvi, Rangers and police fired and shelled our workers and martyred and injured the peaceful citizens, he will have to account for it!
The citizens were not only peaceful but also kept rescuing the police and rangers who were shelling and firing. Thanks also to Overseas Pakistanis who are not only mobilizing in Pakistan, sending funds, but also holding historic demonstrations in their respective countries. Social media warriors also continue to cover our demands worldwide and the ongoing persecution in Pakistan!! I have a message for those threatening a trial in a military court: do what you have to do, I will not back down from my position. Those who have not reached till now should also reach D Chowk. All protesting Pakistanis stay peaceful, united and stand firm until our demands are met - this is the struggle for Pakistan's survival and true freedom!!," wrote Imran Khan in his message to Pakistan from jail. 

At D-Chowk, PTI workers clashed with police and Rangers in a tense standoff. As tear gas shells were fired to disperse the crowd, the workers picked them up and hurled them back, escalating the confrontation.

Pakistan protests: According to media reports, tear gas and automatic fire is being used by the rangers to disperse the protesters. 
 

Imran Khan's PTI supporters rallied towards Islamabad, leading to clashes with police at D-Chowk. 

The International Human Rights Foundation (IHRF) condemned the violence in Pakistan stating, “We condemn the brutal use of force by the Pakistani state against peaceful protesters. Reports of extrajudicial abductions, political victimization, and transnational repression by the authoritarian regime in Pakistan continue to attract global attention. We urge the international community to respond to the military junta supported regime in Pakistan, which has come to power through an alleged massively rigged election. The U.S. House Resolution 901 ( H.Res.901 - Expressing support for democracy and human rights in Pakistan) calls for an independent inquiry into these elections. The current violent repression of unarmed protesters in Islamabad, along with the ongoing incarceration of former Prime Minister Imran Khan—who remains the most popular leader in the country—is unjustified. Officials in the Pakistani regime who are complicit in these acts of fascism must be held accountable. We call upon the Pakistani government to respect the human rights of its citizens.”

Paramilitary force prepares to move to D-chowk as protest march continues

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday condemned a “terrorist attack” in Kalat, stating that such cowardly acts cannot deter the country’s resolve.

In a post on X today, premier Shehbaz — while condemning the latest attack — sent his “heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families”.

He said that immediate action would be taken against the perpetrators of the attack, Dawn reported. 

The Pakistani government has called in the military to handle the unrest during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests in Islamabad, with the Ministry of Interior issuing an official notification.

According to Pakistani daily Dawn, the military has been summoned under Article 245 of the constitution, and it has been made clear that those breaking the law would face strict actions.