By Asif Shahzad, Gibran Naiyyar Peshimam and Charlotte Greenfield ISLAMABAD (Reuters) -At least six people, including four paramilitary soldiers, were killed on Tuesday during clashes near Pakistan's parliament between security forces and protesters who are demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Pakistan's Interior Ministry said it had deployed the army to defend Islamabad's heavily fortified Red Zone. Supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan are demanding the jailed leader's release. DW has the latest.

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.

Pakistani authorities arrested over 4,000 supporters of Imran Khan, including five parliamentarians, ahead of a rally demanding the release of the former prime minister from prison, where he has been held for over a year.

Four paramilitary soldiers were killed on Tuesday during clashes near Pakistan's parliament between security forces and protesters who were demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Thousands of demonstrators supporting former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan broke through barricades around Islamabad on Tuesday, killing four security service members and moving toward the center of the city.

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.

Thousands of supporters of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan breached roadblocks and clashed with police to converge in Islamabad as deadly protests that killed at least five people continued for a second day.

Three members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party were killed during rallies in Islamabad as part of the most recent wave of political turmoil in Pakistan. Tensions between PTI members and law enforcement have escalated as a result of the protests,