Clashes erupt as Pakistan authorities block ex-premier’s protest march

LAHORE, Pakistan (AA) – Clashes were reported in many cities of Pakistan as authorities ordered security agencies to take action against followers of ousted Prime Minister Imran Khan who is asking the government to announce a date for fresh elections.

Khan, who was removed after a parliamentary no-trust motion last month, announced a “long march” to press his demand for the dissolution of parliament, and holding of fresh elections, which are otherwise due in 2023.

The government has rejected his demands, announcing that the current setup would continue until August next year.

In the northeastern city of Lahore, police fired teargas shells to disperse hundreds of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers who gathered at different points to set off on the march to Islamabad.

Angry protesters pelted stones and threw back teargas shells toward police before scores of them were taken into custody.

The PTI claimed that over 1,000 workers were detained in overnight raids across northeastern Punjab province in an attempt to foil the march.

Ata Tarar, a spokesman for the provincial government, told reporters that only 250 workers had been detained as a “preemptive action” to maintain law and order.

Footage aired on local broadcasters showed stick-wielding activists removing barbed wire to move forward with the march.

Police have placed shipping containers on several roads leading to the capital, which is about 270 kilometers (170 miles) northwest.

The former premier has urged supporters, especially young people, to remove the barricades to reach the Srinagar Highway in Islamabad “at any cost.”