Clashes break out in Pakistan as Imran Khan leads protesters to Islamabad
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Clashes have broken out in Pakistan after a protest march led by cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan was reportedly attacked by government supporters.
Reports from the city of Gujranwala said government supporters threw stones and shoes at Mr Khan’s convoy of protesters as their cars and trucks made their way northwards towards the capital, Islamabad, in a bid to try and force out the prime minister.
Initial reports said shots were also fired and hit his vehicle, but later reports said police had denied this.
Mr Khan, who was not hurt, is one of two political leaders leading protesters travelling to Islamabad to try and oust Nawaz Sharif. Mr Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) says the election held in the spring of 2013 and which gave Mr Sharif his third term as the country’s premier was rigged.
Another group of protesters, led by Canada-based cleric Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, who runs the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT), are also demanding the resignation of Mr Sharif. They say Pakistan needs a revolution and that Mr Sharif represents old-style corruption.
The two-pronged attack represents the most serious challenge yet for Mr Sharif, 15 months after he secured a convincing victory.
Islamabad is already in lockdown, and thousands of police have been deployed in anticipation of the protesters, who could arrive tonight. But the Reuters news agency reported that clashes have already broken out between the demonstrators and supporters of Mr Sharif and his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
It said Mr Khan’s spokesman had confirmed that the former sports star was not hurt. On social media, Mr Khan wrote: “PML-N workers attacked again but I have asked our workers to remain calm and peaceful.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments