Authorities have reopened roads linking Pakistan’s capital with the rest of the country, ending a four-day lockdown, after using tear gas and firing into the air to disperse supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan who demanded his release from prison.

The demonstrators want the federal government to resign over what they call rigged general elections this year.

The government blocked most major roads with shipping containers, and police and paramilitary personnel were deployed in riot gear.

At least six people have died in protest-related violence as supporters seeking Imran Khan’s release from prison broke through barriers meant to lock down Islamabad.

Nearly 4,000 people arrested and at least seven people, including a police officer and members of security forces, lost their lives

Pakistani police were filmed fleeing their posts and abandoning their weapons as they were overwhelmed by thousands of protesters demanding the release of Imran Khan, the former prime minister.