Supporters seeking the release of imprisoned Pakistani former Prime Minister Imran Khan broke through a ring of shipping containers blocking off the capital on Tuesday, and battled security forces despite a government threat to respond with gunfire.

As Imran Khan's supporters made their way to Islamabad, leaders of his PTI party visited him in Adiala Jail, in the city of Rawalpindi. PTI's caretaker chairman, Gohar Ali Khan, and lawmaker Ali Muhammad Khan were among the delegation that met the incarcerated leader on Monday.

The demonstrations were sparked by demands for Khan’s release from jail and the resignation of the federal government over what they call rigged general elections this year.