ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (Diya TV) — At least one police officer was killed and over 50 others were injured as clashes broke out between police and supporters of jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who continued their march toward Islamabad despite a heavy security presence and a communications blackout.

The protests, launched by Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, entered their second day Tuesday as protesters challenged barricaded highways and a security lock-down meant to suppress them. The PTI alleged that the government has so far arrested thousands of supporters to crush the protest movement. Punjab provincial police claimed that more than 4,000 people were held, including five parliamentarians from the PTI party.

The unrest has gained momentum because Khan, who has been in jail since August 2023 on various charges, has been inspiring vast public support. Protesters, who have been marching for days, are demanding his release immediately. This march plunged Islamabad into turmoil as the security forces clashed with the protesters on the streets.

Her wife, Bushra Bibi, has been a leading critic of the government. Recently, as reported by the BBC, she vowed to continue the march until the government unconditionally frees him, calling on protesters, saying that this was their “final call.” PTI has called for large-scale mobilization, and their workers have not withdrawn despite all the efforts that the government has made in blocking their advance.

Authorities have responded to this growing unrest by imposing strict security measures in Islamabad, including raising patrols and suspending public transport in Punjab. It has also banned gatherings. Public access to social media platforms has been restricted as a way of limiting the communication between demonstrators.

This all comes at a time of heightened political tensions in Pakistan. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is currently visiting Islamabad and his visit coincides with the current unrest. “The situation is under control,” claims Pakistan’s government, while the ongoing rallies continue to disrupt daily life and bring into question stability in the country.

His supporters, however, seem resolute in calls to his release with claims that their fight for justice will only be complete upon his imminent release from detention.