Release Imran Khan Protest: Pakistan Police Arrest Over 1,000 PTI Workers And Supporters

Pakistani authorities have detained nearly 1,000 Pakistan Tahreek E Insaaf (PTI) workers and supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. This follows their storming of the capital, demanding his release. Islamabad's police chief confirmed these arrests on Wednesday.

Ali Amin Gandapur, a senior aide to Khan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Chief Minister, accused authorities of using excessive force against peaceful protesters. He claimed that "hundreds" were injured by gunfire during the protests.

Protest Details and Allegations

Khan's aides reported that hundreds suffered gunshot wounds in chaotic scenes in central Islamabad. Police dispersed protesters led by Khan's wife, who broke through security barricades. However, they provided no immediate evidence for these claims.

Islamabad's police chief, Ali Rizvi, denied using live ammunition during the operation. He stated that 600 protesters were arrested on Tuesday alone, bringing total arrests over three days to 954. Weapons like automatic rifles and tear gas guns were seized from the protest site.

Government Response and Market Impact

Pakistan's information minister and an Islamabad police spokesman did not comment on allegations of shooting by security forces. Gandapur mentioned at a press conference that both he and Bushra Khan were directly attacked during the protests.

The PTI had planned a sit-in in the red zone until Khan's release. He has been jailed since August last year. The party called off the protest due to what it termed "the massacre," but Gandapur insisted it would continue until Khan ordered its end.

Protests Turn Deadly

The protests began on Sunday before escalating into overnight clashes. At least six people died, including four paramilitary soldiers and two protesters. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited protest sites on Wednesday, stating that law enforcement had cleared protesters from the capital.

Geo News and ARY News reported that security forces raided the protest site in darkness with lights turned off. A barrage of tear gas was fired to disperse protesters almost completely.

Aftermath and Economic Reactions

On Wednesday, city workers cleared debris and removed shipping containers used to block roads around the capital. The red zone was free of protesters, though some vehicles remained, including a truck used by Bushra Khan which appeared burned.

Pakistan's benchmark share index surged over 5.21% in intraday trading on Wednesday after a 3.6% loss due to political unrest the previous day. Tahir Abbas from Arif Habib Limited attributed this rebound to hopes for restored political stability boosting investor confidence.