Imran Khan supporters reach near to Pakistan Parliament

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters reached the heavily fortified square in the centre of capital Islamabad defying government lockdown and ultimatums to demand the release of the jailed former prime minister.

Islamabad’s D-Chowk, intense tear gas shelling was reported as security forces sprung into action amid a stalemate in talks between the government and the opposition party.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned what he said was an “attack by protesters”, which the interior minister said resulted in the deaths of at least four security personnel.

At least six people, including a police officer and members of security forces, have died during the protest march on parliament that began on Sunday for a sit-in demonstration to demand the release of Mr Khan.

The government imposed a strict lockdown of the capital for the last three days to block protesters from reaching the capital. 

All major highways and roads were blocked with shipping containers, concrete barricades and security personnel. Mobile data was suspended in some areas.