Supporters seeking the release of imprisoned Pakistani former Prime Minister Imran Khan broke through a ring of shipping containers blocking off the capital on Tuesday, and battled security forces despite a government threat to respond with gunfire.

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.

As the situation worsened in Pakistan's capital Islamabad amid fierce protests demanding the release of former prime minister Imran Khan, the government asked the army to intervene.