A tense situation unfolded in Islamabad with the deployment of Pakistani army personnel, as supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan, leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), gathered at D-Chowk in the heart of the capital.

Chowk, countering heavy police presence and internet cuts. The Islamabad high court has ordered a designated protest zone. Khan's PTI challenges the ruling coalition, claiming election fraud and facing government crackdowns.

Police in Pakistan's capital fired teargas on Friday as they clashed with supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan who were holding an anti-government rally in defiance of a ban on congregating in the city.