Islamabad (TDI): The federal government has deployed the military in the capital under Article 245 of the Constitution, as violent clashes erupted during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest.
A notification issued by the Interior Ministry formally called in the army to assist civil authorities in maintaining law and order.
The notification grants the military the authority to impose curfews where deemed necessary, with officials vowing to tackle lawlessness with an “iron hand.”
The security forces have been authorized to take stringent measures, including shoot-on-sight orders against individuals involved in acts of violence or terrorism, according to media reports.
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Efforts are also underway to identify and apprehend miscreants responsible for the unrest.
The move comes in the wake of a deadly incident on Srinagar Highway, where PTI protestors allegedly rammed a vehicle into law enforcement personnel.
The attack resulted in the martyrdom of four Rangers and injuries to seven others, including two police officers. So far, the violence has claimed the lives of four Rangers and two police officers, while over 100 police personnel have sustained injuries, several of whom are reported to be in critical condition.
Escalation and Security Measures
PTI supporters, acting on the call of their incarcerated party chairman, have entered the federal capital with demands that include the release of their jailed leader.
The main protest site has been identified as D-Chowk.
To counter the march, a security lockdown has been enforced in Islamabad for the past two days.
Major highways leading to the capital have been barricaded with shipping containers, while key roads are being patrolled by heavily armed police and paramilitary forces in riot gear.
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Among the protestors’ ranks are convoys reportedly led by former first lady Bushra Bibi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
The convoys have faced significant resistance from law enforcement agencies as they attempt to enter the capital.
This marks yet another episode in a series of recent PTI-led protests, which have frequently escalated into violent confrontations with law enforcement.
The federal government has reiterated its resolve to restore order, stating that no individual or group will be allowed to undermine the rule of law or disrupt the lives of citizens.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
