Pakistani forces were called Wednesday after thousands of demonstrators rallied to overthrow the prime minister.

Until Tuesday, the protesters have been abiding by the order to keep out of the "red zone" that houses the parliament and other key government building such as foreign embassies and the prime minister's office.

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Over 50,000 protesters, which included men, women and children, have rallied for almost a week in Islamabad to urge the government, including prime minister Nawaz Sharif, to step down.

The protest was led by Imran Khan, a politician from the opposition and cleric turned activist, Tahir ul-Qadri.

The demonstrators were given a directive to stay away from the red zone, but on Wednesday night, Khan and ul-Qadri, together with their followers, defied the order and crossed the threshold.

Reports said that the protesters, which reportedly numbered to 35,000, used cranes and bolt cutters to remove the blockade sealing off the zone.

Following the infiltration, thousands of military personnel were positioned all around the buildings to guarantee the safety of everyone.

As the protesters advanced to the area, military spokesperson General Asim Bajwa requested for a negotiation.

Bajwa posted a statement on social media which stated that "patience, wisdom and sagacity is needed in order to resolve the situation."

The military intervention came after Khan gave an ultimatum stating that Sharif have until Wednesday night to resign.

"Nawaz Sharif, I will wait for your resignation until tomorrow evening and after that, we will enter inside the prime minister's house," Khan said, requesting his followers to assemble by 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Qadri, on the other hand, said he and his supporters will take a more peaceful route and sit-in until the prime minister stepped down.

Despite the protesters' goal to see the government resign, they were ordered to avoid any form of violence during the rally.

Even with the demonstrators entering the red zone on Wednesday, the rally was not violent.

TagsPakistan, stand off, khan