THOUSANDS of supporters of Pakistan’s imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan defied a lockdown, tear gas and widespread arrests to head to the capital today to demand his release.

The leadership of Mr Khan’s party went ahead with the “long march” even as Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko arrived for a three-day visit. He was received at an airport near the capital by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Authorities said that at least one police officer was killed and several officers and demonstrators were injured in clashes. The marchers appeared determined to reach Islamabad where the lockdown, which has been in place for two days, has disrupted daily life.

Mr Khan has been in jail for over a year and faces more than 150 criminal cases which his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), says are politically motivated.

Authorities said police were firing tear gas in an attempt to halt the marchers about 15 miles from the city. 

Travel between Islamabad and other cities has become nearly impossible. 

“We are determined, and we will reach Islamabad, though police are using tear gas to stop our march,” PTI senior leader Kamran Bangash told reporters.

Government spokesperson Attaullah Tarar said on Sunday that whenever any high-profile foreign delegation comes to Pakistan, the PTI “begins the politics of long marches and onslaught on Islamabad to harm the economy.”