- Six dead as violent clashes erupt between PTI supporters and security forces demanding Imran Khan‘s release.
- Shoot-on-sight orders issued; army deployed under Article 245.
- Internet disruptions, blocked roads, and heavy arrests intensify tensions.
Islamabad is engulfed in turmoil as PTI supporters rally against the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Violent clashes near D-Chowk resulted in fatalities, including four security personnel.
The protests are disrupting daily life, with schools closed and essential services affected. Meanwhile, international observers, including the United States, have expressed concerns over Pakistan’s deteriorating political stability.
Islamabad in Crisis: PTI Protesters Clash With Security Forces
Tensions in Islamabad have escalated after PTI supporters, defying restrictions, converged on the capital to demand Imran Khan’s release. Protesters clashed violently with security forces near the heavily barricaded Red Zone, resulting in multiple casualties. Over 4,000 demonstrators have been arrested, with authorities enforcing a citywide ban on public gatherings and blocking intercity travel.
Shoot-on-sight orders and heavy teargas shelling reflect the government’s strong stance. Protesters, some traveling over 150 kilometers, attempted to dismantle barricades, using heavy machinery to gain entry. Despite calls for peaceful demonstrations, the protests have taken a violent turn, disrupting critical infrastructures and sparking fears of prolonged unrest.
The government remains firm, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announcing limited room for negotiations. However, he warned of stricter measures if PTI supporters continue to push into Islamabad. Internationally, the US State Department has called for restraint on all sides, highlighting the human rights implications of the crackdown.
With tensions unyielding, Islamabad is seeing the largest protests since PTI’s 2014 sit-in. Unlike the previous movement, this rally is marked by heightened violence, with key leaders like Bushra Bibi directing the demonstrations. The political and social ramifications are becoming increasingly dire.
The Islamabad protests signify a deepening political crisis in Pakistan. Both sides must pursue dialogue to restore stability, as prolonged unrest risks destabilizing the nation further.
“We call on protesters to demonstrate peacefully and refrain from violence, and at the same time, we call on Pakistani authorities to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms.” – Matthew Miller, US State Department Spokesperson
