Islamabad has witnessed escalated tensions as the government orders the army to kill PTI protestors. This came after massive demonstrations demanding that former Prime Minister Imran Khan be released. Protests turned violent and even saw at least four police officers and one civilian dead, with many more injured.
The army was deployed under Section 245, a clause that authorizes military intervention in cases of national defense. According to Bloomberg reports, the government orders to kill PTI protestors were very explicit and consisted of shoot-at-sight measures. This will award the military unbridled power unbounded by even judicial oversight. Locally, the media told how soldiers were instructed not to spare anyone involved in the unrest.
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The arrest of Imran Khan, leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, kindled public protests. Imran Khan was the Prime Minister of Pakistan from 2018 to 2022 and, in many cases, has been banned from contesting elections. As justified, his supporters think it is politically motivated to prevent Imran from coming back to power again. Orders by the government to kill PTI protestors only resonate with further allegations of state oppression.
Imran Khan’s PTI has been vociferously protesting the government, alleging election rigging and demanding accountability. Despite intense crackdowns, PTI supporters show resiliency, organizing mass protests across the country. Demonstrations in Islamabad are currently the largest since Khan was arrested last year.
Sharif’s government orders the army to kill PTI protestors: What does it mean for the nation?
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif defended the military involvement, saying that the protests descended to acts of “extremism” and “bloodshed.” Sharif justified the orders from the government to kill the PTI protestors as a measure to restore order. Islamabad has been garrisoned with more than 20,000 police officers and military personnel since the uprising.
The city remains besieged, with major roads cut off, mobile networks crippled, and drones monitoring the crowds. The imposition of a two-month ban on public gatherings points out the gravity of the crisis. Critics argue that this extreme measure may destabilize the nation even more, exacerbating the already volatile political situation.
Also, see: Protestors demand release of Imran Khan, thousands rebel against police