Imran Khan calls for ‘fight till the end’ as Pakistan gov’t rules out talks
Al Jazeera
Tensions rise as security forces clash with protesters calling for release of imprisoned former prime minister.
Islamabad, Pakistan – Imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan has urged his supporters to “fight till the end” as Pakistani authorities cracked down on protesters calling for his release.
Security forces on Tuesday clashed with supporters of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party who broke through barriers as they marched towards the centre of the locked-down capital, Islamabad, in an attempt to stage a sit-in.
The protesters are demanding the return of what they call a “stolen mandate” after February’s elections, the release of political prisoners and the reversal of a constitutional amendment that allows a civilian government to call in the army to help it implement “law and order”.
In a post on social media, Khan told protesters to remain peaceful and united, saying their struggle is for Pakistan’s “survival and true freedom”.
As tensions rose, the government dismissed prospects of “further dialogue” with the PTI and accused Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, of orchestrating the unrest.
Academic Benny Tai sentenced to 10 years, while others receive sentences of between four years and seven years.
US president-elect says former Wisconsin Congressman Sean Duffy will usher in a ‘golden age of travel’.
Israel has ramped up attacks on Iran-linked targets in Syria since it began its war on Gaza last year.
Trump picked his hawkish former rival to be Secretary of State, and Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence.
France tightens security before game that pro-Palestinian groups say should be boycotted given Israel’s aggressions.
The villagers of Ain Yaaqoub spent days identifying charred remains. They fear Israel was targeting displaced people.
Defence contractor CACI, whose employees worked at Iraq’s Abu Ghraib, ordered to pay damages after 15-year legal delays.
Humanitarian situation in Gaza ‘at worst point since the war began’, extracting ‘enormous cost’ for Palestinians.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Lebanese PM Najib Mikati among those who will be attending the Riyadh meeting.
It will be ‘slaughter as usual’ for Israel in Gaza and Lebanon under the incoming Trump administration, analysts say.
A late start, a failure to differentiate herself from Biden, and the loss of key voting groups made victory impossible.