PTI protestors reach Islamabad’s D-Chowk amid tense clashes | Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi leads PTI convoy as Army deployed with ‘shoot at sight’ orders
islamabad
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) convoy, led by Bushra Bibi, the wife of Imran Khan, is approaching Islamabad’s Zero Point, which has been taken under the control of Pakistan Army soldiers.
The Ministry of Interior earlier during the day had announced the deployment of the Pakistan Army under Article 245 of the Constitution in response to escalating security concerns in Islamabad.
The move comes amid rising tensions following protests organised by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, leading to violent clashes with security forces, Express News reported.
Clashes between the police and PTI workers continue in Islamabad, with protesters reaching Zero Point.
Rangers have been deployed at key government buildings, and military troops are stationed at D-Chowk.
The effects of tear gas shelling have reached Aabpara Chowk, prompting businesses in Aabpara Market to shut down. In light of the escalating situation, additional police personnel have been called in from Rawalpindi, with an initial deployment of 1,000 officers to Islamabad.
Authorities have issued stringent directives to security personnel, authorising them to take decisive action against agitators and miscreants, including the use of extreme measures such as shooting rioters on sight, according to the Radio Pakistan website.
The interior ministry’s notification also grants the Pakistan Army the authority to impose curfews in any locality deemed necessary to maintain law and order.
Rangers personnel martyred
The situation escalated earlier in the morning when miscreants rammed a vehicle into Rangers personnel during the protest on Srinagar Highway in Islamabad, resulting in the martyrdom of four Rangers officials and two policemen, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.
Additionally, a group of armed individuals pelted stones and opened fire on security forces at Chungi No 26 in Rawalpindi, injuring a Ranger who was later transferred to CMH Rawalpindi in critical condition.
In response, security sources confirmed that all necessary measures are being taken to counter any terrorist activities and maintain public safety.
Naqvi warns of curfew
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warned the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of strict measures to prevent their march on D-Chowk in the federal capital.
Speaking to the media during a visit to D-Chowk and the funeral of martyred police Constable Mubashar Bilal in Rawalpindi, the minister revealed that the government had offered the PTI an alternative to stage their sit-in at Sangjani, rather than entering the capital’s sensitive Red Zone.
