Political situation in Pakistan

Six policemen killed in Pakistan - the army has been ordered to open fire

Six policemen have died in protests in Islamabad. Now the army has been ordered to open fire on protesters, reports the newspaper Dawn.

Pakistan's government is stepping up efforts to confront the violent protesters. The military has been called in and orders have been issued to "deal with the miscreants with an iron fist," state-run Radio Pakistan said.

The demonstrators, who demand the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, have approached the center of Islamabad on Tuesday morning. They are now less than 10 kilometers from the cordon around the government area that they have promised to occupy.

Another nine police officers are being treated for critical injuries.

Protesters break through Islamabad's cordons

Thousands of supporters of Pakistan's jailed former prime minister Imran Khan broke through cordons around the capital Islamabad on Tuesday, AP reports.

Police are trying to push back the protesters with tear gas and have blocked roads with large shipping containers.

At least six people have died in the protest-related violence in recent days and thousands have been arrested. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warns that security forces will open fire if attacked by protesters.

- We have allowed the police to make whatever decisions they want according to the situation, he says.