Pakistan deployed its army in the nation’s capital with orders to shoot protesters if necessary, as deadly clashes escalated between the police and supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, writes The New York Times.

The government said that at least six members of the security force had been killed in the violence, as thousands of protesters marched to Islamabad to demand Mr. Khan’s release from prison. Hospital officials told local news media that at least four civilians had died from bullet wounds, with more than 50 others being treated for various injuries in two government hospitals.

At a news conference Tuesday night, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar denied that police had opened fire on protesters.

The police had earlier used tear gas and rubber bullets against the demonstrators, who pressed toward a public square near major government offices where they planned to hold a rally.

People in the crowd dismantled roadblocks that had been put in place to stop them while patriotic songs blared from vehicles. Some danced in front of the slow-moving convoy, some chanting, “Revolution! Revolution!”

When they reached the square in late afternoon, some chanted the slogan “Prisoner Number 804” - a reference to Mr. Khan - while others climbed atop shipping containers that had been set up to block their advance.