Islamabad protests: Policeman dies after falling ill due to tear gas shelling

• Ishtiaq was shifted to Islamabad's Poly Clinic after he complained of breathing problems at 7:00pm through wireless.
• The capital’s red zone had turned into a war zone as clashes took place between the protesters and the law enforcement agencies.
• Geo News sources say a delegation of the government employees has been assured of a 20% increase in their salaries. 

ISLAMABAD: An Islamabad police officer lost his life after he fell ill due to intense tear gas shelling that was done to disperse the protesting federal government employees who were demanding pay raise amid rising inflation.

Ishtiaq, posted in Islamabad Police's Special Branch, complained of breathing problems at around 7:00pm after which he was shifted to the Poly Clinic where he lost the battle today.

The police had resorted to heavy tear gas shelling on Wednesday to disperse the federal government workers at China Chowk.

In pictures: Chaos in Islamabad as police fire tear gas to dispel govt employees demanding higher wages

The capital’s Red Zone had turned into a war zone as clashes took place between protesters and the law enforcement agencies.

A heavy contingent of police was deployed across Islamabad to control the demonstration after talks between the government and the protesters failed and their leaders were taken into custody.

After a fresh round of talks late night, however, the two parties have reached a consensus on the pay raise.

Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed confirmed the development in a series of tweets and instructed the Islamabad administration to release all arrested employees immediately.

Read more: Cabinet approves increase in government employees' salaries, say sources

Geo News sources say a delegation of the government employees has been assured of a 20% increase in their salaries and the release of all arrested government employees.

A notification for it is expected today (Thursday).

The talks took place at Federal Minister for Defence Pervez Khattak's house.

Khattak, Ahmed and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan participated in the talks on behalf of the government.