ISLAMABAD: At least eight supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were killed and dozens of others injured in Islamabad following what the party said was a sweeping crackdown overnight by security forces to disperse protesters demanding the release of jailed former prime minister and PTI chief Imran Khan.

Islamabad Police Inspector General Ali Nasir Rizvi confirmed that 954 individuals had been arrested between Sunday and Tuesday, as protesters came within 1.6 kilometers of their intended target. The government reported at least one police officer and four paramilitary personnel were killed during the clashes.

Authorities have reopened roads linking Pakistan’s capital with the rest of the country, ending a four-day lockdown, after using tear gas and firing into the air to disperse supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan who demanded his release from prison.