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.

At least six people have died in protest-related violence as supporters seeking Imran Khan’s release from prison broke through barriers meant to lock down Islamabad.

Pakistan deployed the army amid a tense stand-off with Khan's supporters from his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) pushing forward by removing hurdles on their way to Islamabad's D-Chowk venue as the government vowed to foil their attempt “even if a curfew needs to be imposed.”