Pakistan security forces launched a night-time operation Tuesday to disperse thousands of supporters of the country’s jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, after the crowd broke through barricades and gathered in the capital Islamabad demanding his release.

Mr Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said a “massacre” unfolded in Pakistan and the armed forces fired live rounds, killing “hundreds of people” and many injured with gunshot wounds. It did not give a number as to how many were killed.

Islamabad's police chief, Ali Rizvi, denied that live ammunition was used during the operation, which was carried out in conjunction with paramilitary forces.