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The Pakistani capital is under lockdown as the government grapples with escalating tensions following a planned power show by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The situation intensified after the Pakistan Army was deployed to Islamabad on Tuesday, with directives to "shoot miscreants and troublemakers on sight," according to state-run Radio Pakistan.
The protest, which has gripped the nation, comes amid growing discontent among PTI supporters who are demanding Khan's release and raising other grievances against the government.
Why is Islamabad on high alert?
Thousands of PTI supporters have been travelling to Islamabad since Sunday for what is being described as a massive show of strength. Clashes erupted as PTI convoys entered the capital, leading to violent confrontations with law enforcement.
The situation turned deadly, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirming the deaths of four Pakistan Rangers personnel and two police officers, alongside over 100 injured security officials. Many injuries were severe, underscoring the scale of violence during the protests.
In a statement, Naqvi condemned the attacks on security personnel and vowed to bring those responsible to justice. "This is not a peaceful protest but an act of extremism," Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared, criticising PTI supporters for what he termed as "anarchist actions."
What happened during the clashes?
The unrest escalated on Tuesday, with reports of protestors ramming vehicles into Rangers personnel on Srinagar Highway, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. At Chungi No. 26 in Rawalpindi, a separate group of protestors reportedly pelted stones and opened fire on security forces, leaving one Ranger critically injured.
The Ministry of Interior has described the protest as a direct attack on law enforcement, while Radio Pakistan labelled the demonstrators as "disruptive and extremist elements."
Army deployment in Islamabad
Invoking Article 245 of the Constitution, the government deployed the Pakistan Army to manage the escalating crisis. Security forces have been authorised to use force against those engaging in violence, with Radio Pakistan reporting strict orders to "deal with miscreants with an iron hand."
This marked a rare move by the government to curb unrest. Security sources indicated that the army was taking all necessary measures to prevent further violence and counter any potential terrorist activity.
The protest, which has gripped the nation, comes amid growing discontent among PTI supporters who are demanding Khan's release and raising other grievances against the government.
Why is Islamabad on high alert?
Thousands of PTI supporters have been travelling to Islamabad since Sunday for what is being described as a massive show of strength. Clashes erupted as PTI convoys entered the capital, leading to violent confrontations with law enforcement.
The situation turned deadly, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirming the deaths of four Pakistan Rangers personnel and two police officers, alongside over 100 injured security officials. Many injuries were severe, underscoring the scale of violence during the protests.
In a statement, Naqvi condemned the attacks on security personnel and vowed to bring those responsible to justice. "This is not a peaceful protest but an act of extremism," Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared, criticising PTI supporters for what he termed as "anarchist actions."
What happened during the clashes?
The unrest escalated on Tuesday, with reports of protestors ramming vehicles into Rangers personnel on Srinagar Highway, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. At Chungi No. 26 in Rawalpindi, a separate group of protestors reportedly pelted stones and opened fire on security forces, leaving one Ranger critically injured.
The Ministry of Interior has described the protest as a direct attack on law enforcement, while Radio Pakistan labelled the demonstrators as "disruptive and extremist elements."
Army deployment in Islamabad
Invoking Article 245 of the Constitution, the government deployed the Pakistan Army to manage the escalating crisis. Security forces have been authorised to use force against those engaging in violence, with Radio Pakistan reporting strict orders to "deal with miscreants with an iron hand."
This marked a rare move by the government to curb unrest. Security sources indicated that the army was taking all necessary measures to prevent further violence and counter any potential terrorist activity.
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