Pakistan is facing a massive law and order breakdown after thousands of protestors, supporters of Imran Khan, stormed into the national capital, Islamabad.

The crackdown brought a swift end to the protests that have gripped Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, this week ever since thousands of people gathered in the city to demand the release of Imran Khan, the former prime minister. Mr. Khan has been in prison since last August on charges that his party claims are politically motivated.

Thousands of people demanding the release of the former prime minister marched on Islamabad before fleeing amid a crackdown by authorities.

Islamabad Police Inspector General Ali Nasir Rizvi confirmed that 954 individuals had been arrested between Sunday and Tuesday, as protesters came within 1.6 kilometers of their intended target. The government reported at least one police officer and four paramilitary personnel were killed during the clashes.

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.

Thousands of security forces poured into central Islamabad in an attempt to quell protests in support of Khan that have gripped the capital.

Thousands of supporters loyal to jailed former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan flooded into the capital Islamabad, defying barricades, tear gas and rubber bullets to call for his release and the dissolution of the government.