Govt calls in army after violence erupts amid PTI protest in Islamabad
1. Clear orders issued to deal with troublemakers with iron hand and shoot miscreants on sight
ISLAMABAD: The federal government deployed the army in the capital on Tuesday following violent incidents during ongoing protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
The Interior Ministry issued a notification under Article 245, authorizing the military to assist in maintaining order and take strict action against miscreants. The notification also empowers the army to impose curfews if necessary to curb unrest.
Sources report that security forces have been given the authority to shoot troublemakers on sight. Officials stressed that all necessary measures are being taken to counter extremist and disruptive elements, with efforts underway to identify and bring offenders to justice.
This decision follows a tragic incident on the 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. So far, attacks on law enforcement have claimed the lives of four Rangers and two police officers.
Over 100 police personnel have been injured, many critically, highlighting the severity of the ongoing violence.
PTI supporters have entered Islamabad at the call of their jailed party founder, gathering at D-Chowk with demands including the release of the former prime minister.
A security lockdown has been in place for two days to block convoys led by Bushra Bibi and KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, with major highways barricaded. Shipping containers have been used to close key roads and streets, heavily patrolled by police and paramilitary forces in riot gear.
In recent months, the Imran Khan-founded party has organized several marches to the capital, often resulting in clashes with law enforcement agencies (LEAs).
