Protests in Pakistan escalate as police clash with supporters of Imran Khan

Protests in Pakistan escalated this week as police clashed with supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. One police officer was killed, and many others were injured as demonstrators attempted to enter Islamabad for a sit-in demanding Khan's release. Police used tear gas to disperse crowds defying a citywide lockdown and a ban on rallies. Protesters traveled from northwest Pakistan, with estimates of 9,000 to 11,000 participants, while Khan's party claimed higher numbers. The unrest coincided with the visit of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Government officials are in talks with Khan's party to prevent further violence amid ongoing disruptions to daily life in the capital.