Pakistani Army deployed in Islamabad, given shoot-on-sight orders
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Imran Khan's supporters continue to protest for his release, clashing with police, who responded by firing tear gas canisters to prevent them from entering the capital.
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Supporters of imprisoned former premier Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party gather to remove shipping containers to clear way for their rally demanding Khan's release, in Islamabad, Pakistan, on November 26, 2024. (AP)
Four paramilitary personnel and two policemen have been killed and over 100 security personnel injured as the protest by supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan turned violent.
Following the attacks, the federal government deployed the army in the national capital along with shoot-at-sight orders on Tuesday, state-run media said.
Thousands of protesters demanding the release of Khan marched into Islamabad on Monday, clashing with security forces that have intensified security measures ahead of the protest.
Protesters and police traded accusations of brutality.
Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), called for nationwide protests and urged people to flood the capital to reclaim the "looted" mandate following allegations of election rigging in the February 8 general election. His demands also included the release of political prisoners and the reversal of controversial changes to Pakistan's judiciary.
Protesters began marching toward Islamabad on Sunday, with the capital heavily fortified by security forces, including paramilitary Rangers, and the demonstrations continued into Monday.
The government claimed that at least one police officer was killed and 20 others were injured, several critically, in gunfire exchanged with the protesters.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that the police officer was killed near Islamabad.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the officer's death and ordered that those responsible be identified and given exemplary punishments.
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PTI sources told Anadolu that negotiations are ongoing with the government to designate a location in the capital for a sit-in. If an agreement is reached, protesters will refrain from marching toward the Parliament House.
According to social media videos from PTI, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, along with Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, was among the demonstrators.
Bibi, in a brief address to the protesters, said the march will end only after Khan’s release.
“My brothers, as long as Imran is not with us, we will not end this march,” she told supporters at a stop near the Hazara Interchange. “I will stay there till my last breath, and all of you have to support me. This is not just about my husband but about the country and its leader,” a veiled Bibi said on an open-roof truck.
Roads to capital blocked
Amid a heavy crackdown on Khan's supporters, new police cases have been filed against former President Arif Alvi, Ali Amin Gandapur, Bushra Bibi, and other PTI leaders.
🚨 “Pellet Guns in #Islamabad: A Weapon of Oppression Turning Protesters into Living Corpses”🚨
— Qasim Khan Suri (@QasimKhanSuri) November 26, 2024
The Islamabad police have used pellet guns on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers. For years, Indian security forces in occupied Kashmir have used pellet guns against protesters.… pic.twitter.com/UFC29rdM8w
Pakistani police fired tear gas canisters at supporters of Khan to stop them from entering the capital, where they hoped to stage a sit-in to demand his release, officials said. They defied a lockdown, previous tear gas, and widespread arrests despite a ban on rallies in the city.
Army has come out in full strength in Islamabad to suppress protests by Imran Khan supporters-After all fear tactics failed, the establishment has brought its last weapon of suppression, the army! pic.twitter.com/1nmf4FzjtB
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) November 25, 2024
The Pakistani government denies Khan's allegations of election fraud, as well as claims of fabricated cases against him and other PTI members, which the party calls "bogus".
Pakistanis have spoken up against US Backed government in Pakistan.They are demanding their rights and freedom of Imran khan. pic.twitter.com/VtH4q9mdjc
— Lebanon Times 🇱🇧 (@TimesOF_Lebanon) November 24, 2024
In response to the unrest, the government has closed educational institutions in Islamabad and blocked all motorways and roads leading to the capital by placing thousands of commercial containers on the streets.
In several areas, roads were dug up and trucks, along with heavy stones, were placed on highways to block the rallies. However, protesters were seen clearing the obstacles to continue their march.
Media reports indicate that over 4,000 PTI supporters have already been detained in Pakistan's largest province, Punjab, to prevent the march to the capital.
Meanwhile, thousands of Pakistani expatriates and their supporters gathered in European countries, as well as in the US, Canada, and Australia, to demand Khan’s release. Khan has been in jail since last August.
According to videos shared on PTI’s social media, the largest rallies in support of Khan and his party took place in Italy and the UK.
