Pakistan police fire tear gas, rounds at Imran Khan backers

Police fired tear gas and live rounds at supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan in northwestern Pakistan on Tuesday, as clashes erupted over the suspension of his party's provincial government. Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party alleged the federal government's imposition of a state of emergency and direct control over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was a pretext for a political takeover.

The clashes, which occurred in Bara, about 15 km from the provincial capital Peshawar, resulted in five injuries and 50 detentions. Police stated the detained individuals would face terrorism and sabotage charges related to damage to government property and disturbances to law and order. A police official anonymously reported that protesters set fire to the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) center in Bara. However, PTI information secretary Ikram Khatana claimed unidentified individuals started the blaze and also stormed nearby offices.

The suspension of PTI's only provincial government marks the latest challenge for Khan, who has been imprisoned since 2023. He faces accusations of inciting riots targeting military sites, corruption, and other charges, all of which he denies, stating they are politically motivated. Khan's wife, three sisters, and numerous activists are also currently detained.