In pictures: Islamabad standoff intensifies as security forces, protesters clash

Around 8,500 policemen have been deployed to clear the capital city of over 2,000 protesters.
Published November 25, 2017

At least 139 people were injured on Saturday as clashes erupted between security agencies and religious groups who have held an 18-day-long sit-in at Islamabad's Faizabad Interchange despite repeated requests by the government to clear the area.

The crackdown ordered by the Islamabad High Court was launched after the last of a long series of deadlines lapsed on Saturday morning without response from the agitating parties.

Roughly 8,500 elite police and paramilitary troops in riot gear are taking part in the clearance operation of over 2,000 protesters in the capital city.

Law enforcement personnel are using tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse agitators. In response, the protesters have been using stones and rocks to attack the advancing security forces.

Police officers gather next to a burning police vehicle setting on fire by protesters during a clash in Islamabad. ─ AP
Police officers gather next to a burning police vehicle setting on fire by protesters during a clash in Islamabad. ─ AP

TLY protesters throw rocks at riot policemen during a clash in Islamabad. ─ AFP
TLY protesters throw rocks at riot policemen during a clash in Islamabad. ─ AFP

A TLY protester throws a tear gas shell back towards police during a clash in Islamabad. ─ AFP
A TLY protester throws a tear gas shell back towards police during a clash in Islamabad. ─ AFP

Riot policemen gather around the burning tents of TLY protesters in Islamabad. ─ AFP
Riot policemen gather around the burning tents of TLY protesters in Islamabad. ─ AFP

A TLY protester runs past a burning tent during a clash with police in Islamabad. ─ AFP
A TLY protester runs past a burning tent during a clash with police in Islamabad. ─ AFP

A TLY protester throws a tear gas shell back towards police during a clash in Islamabad. ─ AFP
A TLY protester throws a tear gas shell back towards police during a clash in Islamabad. ─ AFP

A policeman uses a slingshot during clashes with TLY protesters. ─ AFP
A policeman uses a slingshot during clashes with TLY protesters. ─ AFP

Riot policemen gather around an injured TLY protester in Islamabad. ─ AFP
Riot policemen gather around an injured TLY protester in Islamabad. ─ AFP

Protesters damage a Samaa DSNG during a clash with police in Islamabad. ─ AP
Protesters damage a Samaa DSNG during a clash with police in Islamabad. ─ AP

A policeman fires at TLY protesters during clashes in Islamabad. ─ AFP
A policeman fires at TLY protesters during clashes in Islamabad. ─ AFP

A TLY protester throws a tear gas shell back towards police during a clash in Islamabad. ─ AFP
A TLY protester throws a tear gas shell back towards police during a clash in Islamabad. ─ AFP

Policemen in riot gear chase protesters from the Tehreek-i-Labaik Yah Rasool Allah during a clash. ─ AFP
Policemen in riot gear chase protesters from the Tehreek-i-Labaik Yah Rasool Allah during a clash. ─ AFP

Protesters hurl back a tear gas shell fired by police during a clash. ─ AP
Protesters hurl back a tear gas shell fired by police during a clash. ─ AP

Police officers beat a protester during a clash. ─ AP
Police officers beat a protester during a clash. ─ AP

Riot policemen gather during a clash with TLY protesters. ─ AFP
Riot policemen gather during a clash with TLY protesters. ─ AFP

A TLY protester shouts slogans during a clash. ─ AFP
A TLY protester shouts slogans during a clash. ─ AFP

Riot policemen arrest a TLY activist in Islamabad. ─ AFP
Riot policemen arrest a TLY activist in Islamabad. ─ AFP

Police officers carry an injured protester during a clash in Islamabad. ─ AP
Police officers carry an injured protester during a clash in Islamabad. ─ AP

Plainclothes policemen arrest an injured TLY activist (C) during a clash in Islamabad. ─ AFP
Plainclothes policemen arrest an injured TLY activist (C) during a clash in Islamabad. ─ AFP

Protesters and police officers throw stones each others during a clash in Islamabad. ─ AP
Protesters and police officers throw stones each others during a clash in Islamabad. ─ AP