Islamabad: Opposition protesters have gathered near the Pakistani capital amidst violent clashes, following a call from Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), for nationwide protests. Khan urged citizens to reclaim what he described as the 'looted' mandate after alleged election fraud in the February 8 general election, demand the release of political prisoners, and reverse controversial judicial changes. According to Anadolu Agency, since Sunday, protesters have been marching towards Islamabad, which has been heavily fortified with security forces, including paramilitary Rangers. The confrontations have persisted into Monday, resulting in the death of a police officer and injuries to at least 20 others, several critically. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the officer's death near Islamabad. In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the violence and ordered that those responsible be identified and punished severely. PTI sources revealed that negotiations with the governmen t are ongoing to designate a specific area in the capital for a sit-in, potentially preventing a march on the Parliament House. Among the demonstrators are Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, as evidenced by social media videos from PTI. Bibi addressed the protesters, declaring that the march would persist until Khan's release. In reaction to the protests, the government has taken measures to block access to the capital by closing educational institutions in Islamabad and using thousands of commercial containers to obstruct motorways and roads. Despite these efforts, protesters have been clearing obstructions to continue their march towards the capital. The government has threatened severe consequences for anyone attempting to enter Islamabad, enforcing restrictions on gatherings of four or more people. The ongoing crackdown has resulted in the detention of over 4,000 PTI supporters in Punjab province alone, according to media reports. Khan, who was ou sted from power in April 2022, has been rallying his supporters to continue their protests until the government concedes to PTI's demands. His call for action on November 24 has drawn support from thousands of Pakistani expatriates in over two dozen countries, including significant rallies in Italy and the UK.