ALBAWABA- Pakistani authorities have arrested nearly 1,000 supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan following days of protests in Islamabad, according to the city's police chief, Ali Rizvi.
The demonstrations, led by Khan’s wife, Bushra Khan, escalated as protesters breached security barricades in the capital.
Police reported that 600 individuals were detained during Tuesday's operation, bringing the total number of arrests over three days to 954.
Weapons, including automatic rifles and tear gas guns, were confiscated from the protest site, which was cleared within hours.
Rizvi denied claims that live ammunition was used during the crackdown, despite allegations from Khan's aides that hundreds of protesters had suffered gunshot wounds.
PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur accused authorities of using excessive force, alleging "hundreds" were injured. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi refuted these claims, calling for evidence supporting live fire accusations.
At least six fatalities, including four paramilitary soldiers and two protesters, were confirmed during earlier clashes.
While PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari announced the sit-in's suspension, Gandapur insisted protests would persist until Khan personally called them off.
The unrest highlights deepening political turmoil in Pakistan as Khan's supporters rally against his detention amidst claims of state repression.
