Imran Khan’s PTI supporters rally towards Islamabad, leading to clashes with police at D-Chowk. Tensions rise amid protests against the government and army. Six people, including four paramilitary personnel and two policemen, were killed, and over 100 security personnel were injured.
The unrest spiraled out of control, forcing the government to deploy the army in Islamabad with “shoot at sight” orders, according to the media reports. The protests, led by supporters of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, started on Monday and quickly escalated as demonstrators demanded the release of the ex-premier. Thousands of Khan’s supporters defied government attempts to suppress the demonstrations and entered Islamabad in large numbers. Authorities had earlier launched a crackdown, arresting hundreds of protesters in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces in an effort to stifle the nationwide agitation.
The unrest disrupted daily life in many areas. Schools in Islamabad and Rawalpindi were shut down on Monday and Tuesday as a precaution. Public transport between cities was also suspended, leaving many stranded. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government continues to face criticism for its handling of the situation, as the protests show no signs of subsiding. The demonstrations highlight the deep political divide in Pakistan, with Khan’s arrest fueling anger among his loyal supporters.
Imran Khan’s PTI supporters rallied towards Islamabad, leading to clashes with police at D-Chowk. The International Human Rights Foundation (IHRF) condemned the violence in Pakistan stating, “We condemn the brutal use of force by the Pakistani state against peaceful protesters. Reports of extrajudicial abductions, political victimization, and transnational repression by the authoritarian regime in Pakistan continue to attract global attention.
We urge the international community to respond to the military junta supported regime in Pakistan, which has come to power through an alleged massively rigged election. The U.S. House Resolution 901 ( H.Res.901 – Expressing support for democracy and human rights in Pakistan) calls for an independent inquiry into these elections.
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