PTI protest in Pakistan; 6 killed, Army ordered to shoot-at-sight

Islamabad: Violent clashes between supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan and security forces in Islamabad on Tuesday left six security personnel dead and over 100 injured. The federal government responded by deploying the army in the capital and issuing shoot-at-sight orders to curb the escalating violence.

The unrest began as thousands of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters, led by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, pushed toward the D-Chowk area in Islamabad, defying government-imposed restrictions under Section 144. Protesters removed barricades and continued their march despite warnings from authorities that a curfew could be imposed to stop them.

Radio Pakistan reported that four paramilitary Rangers were killed when a vehicle rammed into them on the Srinagar Highway late Monday night. Five other Rangers and several police officials sustained severe injuries. In a separate incident in Rawalpindi, two policemen were killed during violent clashes at Chungi No. 26, where protesters pelted stones and carried out indiscriminate firing.

Punjab police confirmed that one policeman was killed at the Hakla interchange on Islamabad’s outskirts during the confrontation but provided no details about the second fatality. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi disclosed that over 100 security personnel, mostly police, were injured, including a senior police officer who sustained a severe head injury from stone-pelting.

The Pakistan Army was called in to deal with what officials described as “miscreants with weapons and ammunition.” According to Radio Pakistan, orders were issued to shoot troublemakers on sight. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attacks, calling them acts of anarchy disguised as peaceful protests. “Bloodshed for a nefarious political agenda is unacceptable,” he said, directing authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible.

The PTI accused the authorities of using excessive force, claiming that several of their supporters were injured, with at least two deaths reported. These claims, however, have not been independently verified.

The government had proposed an alternative venue in Sangjani on Islamabad’s outskirts, but clashes continued as protesters pressed on toward D-Chowk. Naqvi suggested that some decisions within PTI leadership might be made independently of Khan, as he had given permission for the alternative venue. Talks between the government and PTI leaders, who met Khan twice in jail on Monday, were ongoing, according to officials.

Bushra Bibi declared in a video statement that the march would continue until Khan and other detained PTI leaders were released.

Khan, 72, has been in jail since August 2023, facing over 200 cases. His supporters claim his party’s mandate was stolen in the February elections, where PTI contested independently due to being denied an election symbol. Khan had given a “final call” for protests to demand the release of prisoners and the rollback of a constitutional amendment granting the government greater control over the judiciary.

Roads leading to Islamabad were blocked with shipping containers, but protesters used heavy machinery to remove barriers. Despite delays, they managed to enter the capital through the Sangjani toll plaza. Video footage shared by PTI showed their convoy making progress despite government-imposed restrictions.

Amid the deteriorating law and order situation, all public and private educational institutions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi were closed on Tuesday. Security sources indicated that efforts were underway to identify and prosecute individuals involved in violent acts.

The D-Chowk, the protesters’ target, is a prime location near government institutions, including the Presidency, Prime Minister’s Office, Parliament, and Supreme Court. Authorities have vowed to prevent any sit-in at this location, even hinting at imposing a curfew if necessary.

Sharif reiterated the government’s resolve to maintain order, stating that “Pakistan cannot afford further chaos or bloodshed.” Meanwhile, the Belarusian delegation, visiting Pakistan for diplomatic discussions, further underscored the government’s determination to restore peace quickly.

With PTI inputs