Pakistan deploys army as supporters of former Prime Minister Khan reach capital

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD (AA) – Authorities in Pakistan deployed the army Tuesday after supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan reached the outskirts of the capital Islamabad.

According to a notification issued by the Interior Ministry, the army has been deployed to ensure security, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.

The ministry also authorized the military to impose a curfew in any locality it deems necessary to maintain law and order.

The army has also been authorized to take extreme measures such as shooting rioters on sight in case of a deteriorating situation.

Heavy clashes continued between protesters and police outside Islamabad as thousands of marchers reached near the capital.

Video footage on TV and social media showed police firing teargas at supporters of Khan as dozens of members of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party attempted to enter the city.

According to state-run media, at least six security personnel have been killed since Monday during the ongoing protest as the government accused PTI members of attacking members of the armed forces and killing them.

However the PTI rejected the claim and said paramilitary personnel were killed after being run over by Pakistan Rangers vehicles.

PTI also claimed that at least 20 members have been shot by paramilitary forces with the number of casualties rising.