Army deployed in Islamabad as PTI protest turns violent
1. Islamabad calls in army under Article 245 amid PTI protest violence
ISLAMABAD: Amid rising violence during protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the federal government has deployed the army in the capital.
The Interior Ministry issued a notification under Article 245, authorizing the military to assist in maintaining order and deal strictly with miscreants. The notification also empowers the army to impose curfews if necessary to control the situation.
Sources indicate that security forces have been granted authority to shoot troublemakers on sight. Authorities emphasized that all measures are being taken to counter terrorist activities and identify those responsible for unrest, ensuring they face justice.
This decision follows a tragic incident on Srinagar Highway, where PTI protesters allegedly drove a vehicle into Rangers personnel, resulting in the deaths of four Rangers and injuries to five others, along with two police officers.
According to security officials, attacks on law enforcement have claimed the lives of four Rangers and two police officers so far. More than 100 police personnel have been injured, many critically, highlighting the severity of the ongoing violence.
PTI supporters have entered the capital following a call from their jailed party founder to gather at D-Chowk and remain there until their demands, including the release of the former prime minister, are met.
A security lockdown has been in place for two days in the federal capital to block convoys led by Bushra Bibi and KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. Highways into the city have been barricaded.
The government has used shipping containers to block major roads and streets in Islamabad, with heavy police and paramilitary patrols in place.
In recent months, the Imran Khan-founded party has organized multiple marches on the federal capital, often resulting in clashes between PTI workers and law enforcement agencies (LEAs).
