In the high-security Red Zone neighbourhood, security forces and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) activists fought pitched battles until late Tuesday night.

But security forces resorted to an intense crackdown on the demonstrators as they zeroed in on D Chowk, blocked with containers. They were forced to retreat as a result of tear-gas shelling and baton charge.

Khan’s spouse Bushra Bibi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur were heard telling the protesters to go home, have dinner and return tomorrow.

“In view of the government’s brutality and plan to turn the capital into a slaughterhouse for unarmed citizens, we announce the suspension of the peaceful protest for the time being,” PTI annpunced early Wednesday.

In a statement on its X account, the party said a future plan of action would be unveiled in light of directions from the former prime minister.

A PTI spokesperson, meanwhile, condemned the alleged “killing, terror and brutality against peaceful protesters in the name of an operation”.

The party urged Chief Justice Yahya Afridi to take notice of the alleged “brutal murder of its workers” and order legal action against the prime minister and interior minister as well as Islamabad and Punjab police chiefs.

In overnight clashes in the federal capital, Dawn reported, both sides used tear gas and rubber bullets,. At least two people were killed and over 60 others wounded.

Meanwhile, PTI claimed “dozens” of its workers were shot at directly and killed, but the party said it had details of eight fatalities.

PTI commended citizens and workers for converging on Islamabad for the protest. It also thanked residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi for showing hospitality to party convoys.

On Tuesday, the Pakistan Army was called in to “deal with miscreants” after three Rangers personnel and a Punjab policeman were killed.

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