Military Ordered to Shoot as Protests Turn Deadly
Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, saw its army deployed on Tuesday with orders to use force, including gunfire, as protests spiraled out of control. Supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan clashed with police while demanding his release from prison, leading to chaos and bloodshed.
The government reported the deaths of six security personnel during violent clashes, with protesters marching toward key government buildings. The situation has brought the capital to a standstill as demonstrators dismantled roadblocks, defying lockdown measures.
Imran Khan’s Arrest Sparks Nationwide UproarImran Khan, a former cricket star turned politician, remains a highly popular figure in Pakistan. Arrested in August 2023 on corruption charges, Khan has called the allegations politically motivated and designed to silence his criticism of the military. Despite being in prison, Khan continues to mobilize massive protests, reflecting his enduring influence.
This week’s demonstrations, called by Khan over the weekend, saw thousands of his supporters enter Islamabad. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (P.T.I.), has accused the military-backed government of suppressing democracy.
Protesters Clash with Police in the CapitalThe protesters, chanting “Revolution! Revolution!” and waving party flags, dismantled roadblocks and moved shipping containers meant to block their path. The police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets but struggled to contain the determined crowd. Patriotic songs played from vehicles, and demonstrators danced in defiance.
By Monday night, many protesters had reached the capital’s center, where they planned a massive rally near government offices. Security forces deployed additional reinforcements to key areas on Tuesday.
Army Issued Shoot-to-Kill OrdersAs tensions escalated, the government ordered the army to secure vital government sites. Soldiers received instructions to shoot if necessary to prevent further breaches. Officials reported the deaths of four paramilitary troops overnight, claiming that protesters ran over them with a vehicle.
P.T.I. has denied responsibility for these deaths. However, two police officers were also reported killed earlier during the protests.
Attacks on Journalists Highlight Growing ChaosSeveral journalists covering the unrest became targets of violence. A photographer for The Associated Press was assaulted, and his vehicle sustained significant damage. Media organizations condemned these attacks, calling for greater protection for reporters on the ground.
Khan’s Wife Leads the ProtestsBushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife, has stepped into the spotlight, leading rallies in his absence. Addressing a massive crowd in Islamabad early Tuesday, she vowed not to leave until Khan’s release. “We will return only if Khan comes out and tells us to go back,” she declared, igniting cheers from supporters.
Her leadership has further galvanized the movement, with demonstrators rallying across major cities and joining the march to the capital.
Tensions with the Military and Election Rigging AllegationsImran Khan’s relationship with Pakistan’s military has soured significantly. He accuses the institution of undermining democracy and conspiring to weaken his party. Khan’s supporters claim this year’s general elections were rigged to favor the current government.
The military-backed civilian government has dismissed these allegations. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has labeled Khan’s actions as attempts to destabilize the country for political gain.
Government Condemns Protest ViolencePrime Minister Sharif issued a stern warning on Tuesday, accusing protesters of attacking security officers deliberately. “Pakistan cannot afford chaos or bloodshed,” he said. He added that violence for political purposes was unacceptable and pledged to restore order.
The government defends the corruption charges against Khan, portraying him as unwilling to abide by the rule of law. Officials argue that his protests only serve to create unnecessary turmoil.
Protests Reflect Deep Divisions in PakistanImran Khan’s arrest has deepened Pakistan’s already fraught political landscape. The demonstrations expose the stark divide between Khan’s supporters and the current government. While some view Khan as a champion of democracy, others see him as a polarizing figure.
The ongoing unrest threatens to destabilize Pakistan further, as both sides refuse to back down. Protesters demand Khan’s immediate release, while the government remains resolute in its stance.
What Lies Ahead?As the protests continue, the situation in Pakistan remains volatile. The army’s presence in the capital signals the government’s resolve to prevent further escalation, but it also raises fears of more bloodshed.
Imran Khan’s ability to mobilize his supporters, even from prison, highlights his lasting influence. His detention has become a flashpoint, raising questions about the future of democracy in Pakistan.
For now, Islamabad is a city under siege. The coming days will determine whether the government can regain control or if the protests will force a political reckoning. The stakes are high, and the world is watching.
