In Pakistan, a protest organized by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party to demand the release of Imran Khan has turned violent, resulting in the deaths of three Rangers and two policemen. Over 120 security personnel and protesters have also been injured.
The Pakistani government has blamed the protesters for these casualties. However, PTI and a family member of one of the deceased Rangers have claimed that the deaths occurred due to vehicles of the police and Rangers running over the personnel.
Additionally, PTI has alleged that its supporters faced direct gunfire from security forces while trying to reach Islamabad’s D-Chowk, leading to numerous injuries, some of which are reported to be critical.
Meanwhile, PTI leader Zulfi Bukhari told the media that talks are ongoing between the party and the government regarding the release of Imran Khan, but he did not provide details about the progress.
On another note, the U.S. State Department expressed concern over the violence during the protests. Spokesperson Matthew Miller urged the Pakistani government to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms and called on protesters to avoid violence.
