Thousands defy Pakistan police in support of Imran Khan

Thousands of absorption protesters person converged connected Pakistan's heavily-barricaded capital, demanding the merchandise of jailed erstwhile premier curate Imran Khan.

The convoy - which is aiming for a quadrate successful the centre of Islamabad - has already clashed with information forces, who person been firing teardrop state and rubber bullets astatine the marchers successful an effort to disperse them.

According to the premier minister's office, 4 paramilitaries person been killed successful a hit-and-run, which it has blamed connected Khan's supporters. This has not been independently verified.

Khan has been held successful situation for much than a year, facing a slew of charges and sentences which helium alleges are politically motivated.

Even from down bars, the erstwhile cricket prima has proved a almighty subordinate successful Pakistan politics. During elections successful February, his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, which had been forced to tally candidates arsenic independents, emerged arsenic the azygous largest bloc.

However, they fell abbreviated of the bulk and their rivals agreed to signifier a caller government.

As a result, protesters are besides calling for the overturning of predetermination results they accidental were rigged - a assertion disputed by the government.

It was Khan who called connected his supporters to instrumentality to the streets astatine the weekend, issuing a "final call" and asking them to enactment successful the superior until their demands are met.

That was aft the authorities introduced a prohibition connected nationalist gatherings.

The authorities responded by blocking Islamabad's streets with shipping containers, and bussing successful constabulary from crossed the country.

Pakistan's interior curate said the protesters had been offered an alternate venue for their protestation but had refused.

The unrest has caused immoderate net services to beryllium suspended, portion schools and colleges person been unopen due to the fact that of fears of violence.

After days connected the road, the protestation has present reached the edges of the metropolis centre.