ISLAMABAD: In the wake of escalating violence during protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the Pakistan Army has issued a stern warning to protesters, urging them to avoid entering the Red Zone and D-Chowk in Islamabad, as these areas are designated as official zones where entry is strictly prohibited. This comes after intense confrontations between security forces and PTI supporters on Monday night, which resulted in the martyrdom of several law enforcement personnel.
The violence began when PTI protesters, who were part of a rally along Srinagar Highway in Islamabad, rammed their vehicle into paramilitary Rangers, killing three officers and injuring five others. In response to the growing unrest and threats to public safety, the government deployed the Army under Article 245 of the Constitution, which allows for military assistance in maintaining public order during times of emergency. Security sources revealed that the army has been given clear instructions to deal with the miscreants with “iron hands.”
The army’s intervention included loudspeaker announcements at D-Chowk, advising protesters in both Urdu and Pashto to refrain from entering the Red Zone. The announcements emphasized that both D-Chowk and the Red Zone are government-controlled areas, and protesters were warned that they would face legal consequences if they attempted to breach the security cordon.
Meanwhile, the violence continued to intensify as security forces clashed with thousands of PTI protesters armed with sticks and slingshots. These protesters, who had gathered in western Islamabad, were aiming to occupy government buildings less than three kilometers from the heavily secured government enclave. Security forces responded by using tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
In addition to the attack on Rangers, several police officers were injured in violent clashes, and the damage to public property was significant. Over 100 law enforcement officers have reportedly been injured in the ongoing unrest. PTI protesters caused severe damage to at least 22 Punjab police vehicles during their violent rampage.
In a particularly alarming incident, miscreants in Rawalpindi attacked Rangers personnel at Chungi No. 26, firing indiscriminately and throwing stones. A Ranger officer sustained critical injuries and was rushed to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Rawalpindi for treatment.
As the violence escalated, the security forces issued shoot-on-sight orders for those engaging in acts of terrorism and anarchy. The forces were given full authority to take all necessary measures to quell any further attempts by the protesters to destabilize public order.
In connection with the attack on Rangers personnel in Islamabad, Islamabad police have arrested a suspect identified as Hashim, a resident of F-10 Sector. Hashim is accused of running over Rangers officers with his vehicle, leading to the martyrdom of four personnel. The police have also seized the vehicle used in the incident, and Hashim has been taken into custody at Margalla Police Station.
The situation has prompted further legal action, with cases being registered against PTI leaders, including party founder Imran Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Amin Ali Gandapur, and senior party members Salar Khan Kakar and Shahid Khattak. The charges have been filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act, which reflects the severity of the situation.
In light of these developments, the government has called for calm, urging all citizens to respect the rule of law and avoid engaging in violent protests. The military’s presence and the imposition of shoot-on-sight orders are intended to restore order and prevent further loss of life.
Read more: Day 3: PTI Protest convoy approaches D-Chowk, police use tear gas to disperse crowd
The deployment of the army and the continued clashes serve as a stark reminder of the growing political tensions in the country. As the situation evolves, the authorities are closely monitoring developments, with a particular focus on safeguarding critical infrastructure and protecting the lives of law enforcement personnel.
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