US embassy in Pakistan issues security alert amid violent clashes with protesters over Imran Khan arrest
Hundreds of Khan supporters have been arrested and at least one person killed in the violent clashes
The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Wednesday, issued a security alert canceling all consular meetings through the end of the week as protests over the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan have turned violent.
The alert came as video footage showed police and protesters alike dodging objects flying through the air while tear gas filled the streets as Khan appeared for a hearing.
The embassy, which warned citizens in Pakistan to be aware of possible internet outages and travel restrictions, said it would remain "open and available for emergency services."
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"The U.S. Embassy has temporarily restricted movements of Embassy personnel to official and mission-essential travel only, given potential road closures and associated traffic delays," it added. "The U.S. Embassy strongly encourages U.S. citizens to avoid large gatherings, unnecessary travel, and remain vigilant of their surroundings."
Protests turned violent Wednesday in the capital city outside a police facility in Islamabad where Khan was held and where his hearing took place over charges relating to corruption.
Protests are expected to continue following the judge's Wednesday ruling that said Khan can be held by authorities for eight days.
Pakistani police have arrested hundreds of Khan supporters after demonstrations turned violent following his arrest Tuesday.
Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party called on its supporters this week to "shut down Pakistan" in a show of opposition after he was dramatically arrested by dozens of armed men from Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau clad in riot gear.
The seemingly exuberant arrest measures were an effort to block potential unrest, which had broken out during previous arrest attempts between police forces and Khan’s supporters.
But Khan’s arrest comes at a precarious time for Pakistan as political tensions have not only remained heightened since he was removed from office in April 2022 through a vote of no confidence but as the country continues to reel from an economic crisis.
Inflation in Pakistan has surged to 36% and a more than $1 billion foreign bailout package from the International Monetary Fund has been delayed for months over technical issues relating to the framework of the policy.
Mobile data services and access to social media sites like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter have been disrupted as security services looked to tamp down the unrest after at least one person was killed late Tuesday.
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