The Pakistan Army has issued “shoot-at-sight” orders as violent protests engulf the nation’s capital, Islamabad, following the detention of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The directive, issued under Section 245 of the Constitution, grants the military extensive powers to act without judicial oversight.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denounced the protests, describing them as acts of extremism rather than peaceful demonstrations. “This is not a revolution; this is bloodshed,” he declared, blaming “disruptive elements” for escalating tensions.
The unrest erupted after Khan’s supporters, defying police warnings, flooded Islamabad’s streets demanding his release and challenging the legitimacy of February’s general elections. Clashes between protesters and law enforcement have left at least four police officers and one civilian dead, with several others critically injured.
Army Steps In Amid Escalating Violence
The Pakistan Army’s involvement marks a significant escalation in the crisis. Local media reports indicate that soldiers have been ordered to “not spare anyone” defying the directives. Riot control measures, including drones, tear gas, and roadblocks, have been deployed, while mobile networks remain intermittently disrupted.
The government has also enforced a two-month ban on public gatherings, aiming to prevent further violence. Islamabad has been under lockdown since Saturday, with over 20,000 police officers stationed alongside military personnel to control the unrest.
Roots of the Unrest
The protests stem from the imprisonment and political sidelining of Imran Khan, a cricketer-turned-politician who served as prime minister from 2018 to 2022. Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, despite winning the most seats in this year’s elections, was excluded from power by a coalition seen as aligned with military interests.
Supporters accuse the government of election rigging and are demanding both Khan’s release and a reversal of the electoral results. The protests have become the largest show of support for Khan since his imprisonment last year.
Khan faces a slew of legal cases, ranging from corruption to treason, which he claims are fabricated to end his political career. Despite these challenges, PTI rallies have drawn massive crowds, showcasing his enduring popularity.
Government Response
Prime Minister Sharif has condemned the violence, accusing protesters of undermining national stability. “This is not a peaceful protest; it is extremism,” he stated, alleging that some deaths were caused by protesters’ own actions.
International Concerns
The escalating crisis has drawn international attention, with analysts warning that the situation could spiral further if a resolution is not reached. The military’s shoot-at-sight orders highlight the government’s intent to quell dissent but raise questions about the potential for human rights violations.
As Islamabad remains in turmoil, the standoff underscores the deep divisions in Pakistan’s political landscape, with no clear resolution in sight.
Sources By Agencies
