( CNN ) -- Anti-government protesters have managed to breach a high-security zone in Pakistan 's capital , despite the presence of thousands of security personnel . A blackout had been enforced overnight Tuesday in Islamabad 's `` red zone , '' a heavily guarded area of the city containing key government buildings , as the marchers drew close . In the darkness policemen thumped their shields with batons in anticipation of a possible confrontation . However they told CNN orders had been given not to react or use force . For the past few days , thousands of supporters of cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan have joined a march on Islamabad from Lahore to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif amid claims of vote-rigging during last year 's election . They 've been joined by followers of outspoken cleric Tahir ul Qadri , who declared the protest a `` revolution march . '' Qadri led protests against the government last year that brought the capital to a standstill , and has accused Sharif of corruption and campaigned for more to be done for the country 's poor . OPINION : Qadri : My vision for Pakistan . Sharif has denied the accusations against him , and has offered to set off an investigation into last year 's vote . Parliament reached . Many of Khan and Qadri 's supporters were equipped with gas masks and swimming goggles and carried thick wooden clubs . By late Tuesday , many had managed to get beyond barricades made up of barbed wire and steel shipping containers -- with some even using a hijacked crane -- to reach parliament without provoking a reaction from security forces . At one point a number of female protesters approached soldiers and appeared to shower them in flower petals . Officials had previously warned protesters not to enter this area , prompting fears of violent clashes . Earlier this month , at least five people died when supporters of Qadri clashed with police in the northwestern Punjab province . However a spokesperson for the military released the following statement on social media Tuesday : `` Buildings in the Red Zone are a symbol of the state and are being protected by the Army . Therefore the sanctity of these national symbols must be respected . Situation requires patience , wisdom & sagacity from all stakeholders to resolve prevailing impasse through meaningful dialogue in larger national and public interest . '' Qadri told CNN that this `` green revolution '' had been `` peaceful and democratic . '' He added : `` This is a march for democratic reforms . We want rule of law . We want true participatory democracy in our country . We want to fight for human rights , for minority rights , for women rights and to eradicate corruption from society . '' At around 1 a.m. local time on Wednesday , a handful of supporters of Khan 's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf ( PTI ) political party were the first to breach the final container blocking access to the front of the prime minister 's secretariat . They edged past police lines , some appearing stunned that they 'd made it into the capital 's fortified red zone .
Supporters of ex-cricketer Imran Khan and cleric Tahir ul Qadri march on Islamabad . Many protesters have entered high-security `` red zone '' to approach parliament . Security forces , protesters have so far avoided clashes . Protesters calling for government to stand down amid corruption , vote fraud claims .