The demonstrations were sparked by demands for Khan’s release from jail and the resignation of the federal government over what they call rigged general elections this year.

Supporters seeking the release of imprisoned Pakistani former Prime Minister Imran Khan broke through a ring of shipping containers blocking off the capital on Tuesday, and battled security forces despite a government threat to respond with gunfire.

Thousands of supporters of Pakistan's jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan marched on the capital Islamabad this week, breaking through barricades and clashing with police in response to his call for a sit-in protest.