Army Deployed in Islamabad as PTI Protest Turns Violent
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- November 26, 2024
- 4:06 pm
- 27
- Current Affairs
Islamabad is on edge as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest spirals into violence, forcing the government to deploy the army. With roads blocked, tear gas filling the air, and clashes intensifying, the capital has turned into a battleground. The decision to invoke Article 245 of the Constitution and grant the military powers to act, including shoot-on-sight orders, highlights how critical the situation has become.
How It All Started
The PTI protest began as a march demanding the release of Imran Khan and the rollback of controversial constitutional amendments. While the government offered an alternate venue, PTI refused and insisted on heading to D-Chowk in Islamabad, a high-security area.
Convoys from across the country, led by prominent PTI leaders, managed to break through barriers and face off against police. The refusal to compromise escalated the standoff, crippling life in the city and forcing the government to take drastic action.
Army Steps In
To restore order, the government called in the military under Article 245. This allows the army to assist civil authorities with sweeping powers, including imposing curfews. The Interior Ministry said the move was necessary to stop the violence, which had left over 100 security personnel injured.
Security forces have been given strict instructions: protesters using violence will be dealt with decisively, including shoot-on-sight orders for anyone endangering public safety.
Clashes Intensify
The protests have turned deadly. On Srinagar Highway, a vehicle plowed into Rangers, killing four personnel and injuring several others. Elsewhere, police officers were targeted with stones and firearms, resulting in two deaths and over 100 injuries.
At Chungi No. 26, protesters clashed with Rangers, leading to heavy tear gas shelling. Nearby, Aabpara Chowk witnessed similar unrest, leaving streets deserted as businesses shut down.
Government’s Response
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi didn’t mince words about the government’s stance. “If we need to impose a curfew or resort to extreme measures, we won’t hesitate,” he said during a media briefing.
He accused PTI of deliberately creating chaos. “They want to escalate violence and provoke bloodshed, but we won’t let them. When they open fire, there will be a response,” he warned.
The government insists it gave PTI a peaceful alternative in Sangjani, but the party’s insistence on marching toward the Red Zone is being seen as an attempt to destabilize the capital.
PTI’s Reaction
PTI leaders are standing firm. Imran Khan, speaking from jail, urged supporters to continue the march and “not back down until their demands are met.” Convoys from across the country, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, are pushing through to join the main protest, despite heavy police presence and roadblocks.
Protest leaders like Bushra Bibi and Gandapur are urging their supporters to stay strong. In a defiant message, Gandapur said, “We will not stop until we achieve our goal.”
Impact on Daily Life
For Islamabad’s residents, the protests have turned daily life upside down. Major roads are blocked, public transport is disrupted, and internet services remain suspended. Businesses in affected areas have shut down as tensions continue to rise.
Those trying to navigate the city face long delays, with some stuck for hours due to container roadblocks and random security checks.
What’s Next?
With both sides digging in, the situation in Islamabad remains unpredictable. The government is determined to block the march from reaching the Red Zone, while PTI shows no sign of backing down.
The coming days will likely bring more confrontations, but the hope is that both sides prioritize the safety of the city and its residents. For now, all eyes remain on Islamabad, waiting to see what happens next.
