PTI Protest in Islamabad Escalates Amid Clashes, Casualties Reported
Tensions soared in Islamabad’s D-Chowk as PTI protesters faced heavy tear gas shelling from security forces amidst a deadlock in negotiations between the government and opposition.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned what he called an “attack by protesters,” which Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated resulted in the deaths of four security personnel, including three Rangers and a Punjab policeman.
PTI convoys, which began their journey from various parts of the country on Sunday, converged in Islamabad for a highly anticipated demonstration demanding the release of party founder Imran Khan, among other demands. D-Chowk, a key protest site located in Islamabad’s high-security Red Zone, is near significant government institutions such as Parliament House, the Supreme Court, and the Prime Minister’s Office.
While backchannel talks between the government and PTI reportedly continued, authorities had suggested moving the protest to Sangjani, the same location where PTI held a rally in September. Reports indicated PTI leaders were attempting to convince Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, who led the main convoy from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to accept the alternative venue. According to police estimates, the convoy from KP included over 34,000 participants.
Casualties on Both Sides
Interior Minister Naqvi confirmed the deaths of four security personnel, along with injuries to two Rangers and four police officers, some in critical condition. Seventy Punjab policemen were also reported injured, with five in critical condition.
The PTI, on the other hand, accused Rangers of firing live ammunition at unarmed protesters, resulting in the deaths of two party workers and injuries to four others. The party claimed protesters were subjected to excessive tear gas shelling and alleged that the government was using state institutions to oppress dissent.
Government Response
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the incident, asserting that it was not a peaceful protest but an act of extremism. He directed authorities to identify and bring those responsible to justice, emphasizing that Pakistan could not afford chaos or bloodshed. Interior Minister Naqvi vowed strict action against those involved and assured support for the families of the deceased security personnel.
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Chairman of the PPP, denounced the violence, calling it “outright terrorism,” and demanded accountability for those responsible.
Army Deployment in Islamabad
Amid escalating tensions, the Pakistan Army was called into Islamabad under Article 245, with orders to counter violent elements with force. State-run media reported instructions to “shoot miscreants on sight.” Troops were later observed deployed at D-Chowk, with security forces warning of additional measures, including a potential curfew.
Arrests and Unrest
As PTI supporters tried to defy arrests and tear gas, over 500 local PTI leaders and workers were detained in Islamabad, while nearly 800 arrests were reported across Punjab. The Islamabad administration declared a local intelligence agency building as a temporary jail to house arrested protesters.
The Islamabad High Court ruled PTI’s protest unlawful and directed the federal government to ensure law and order without disrupting public life, especially as it coincided with the visit of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
