Pakistan’s government has launched a crackdown and arrested several protesters of former prime minister Imran Khan’s party that started a sit-in in Islamabad to demand his release from jail, according to the opposition political party.

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.

Pakistan's security forces launched a sweeping midnight raid on supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan who had stormed the capital demanding his release on Tuesday, local media said, with hundreds arrested amidst chaotic scenes.