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.