Frantic escape by party leaders during a security crackdown could hurt the PTI. But the government faces questions too.

PTI also claimed that eight of its workers have allegedly been killed, though police claimed that six people, including four paramilitary forces, have died in the protest.

Jailed ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan's PTI party has temporarily suspended protests after his supporters were cleared from central Islamabad in an overnight raid. At least six people have been killed in demonstrations.