Frantic escape by party leaders during a security crackdown could hurt the PTI. But the government faces questions too.

ISLAMABAD: At least eight supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were killed and dozens of others injured in Islamabad following what the party said was a sweeping crackdown overnight by security forces to disperse protesters demanding the release of jailed former prime minister and PTI chief Imran Khan.

The charges stem from violent protests across the country in which supporters of Khan took to the streets to demand his release.