ISLAMABAD – The Ministry of Interior has deployed the Pakistan Army in federal capital, authorizing the security forces to take extreme measures such as shooting agitators on sight amid ongoing protest by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
The ministry has issued a notification in this regard as the PTI protest rallies from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other cities have entered Islamabad. The official social media channels of the Imran Khan’s party said the rally has crossed the 26 number Chungi stop and will reach D-Chowk at every cost.
The deployment comes as the protesters run over security officials, leaving four Rangers personnel dead. The bodies have been shifted to PIMS hospital.
The notification states that the deployment of army has been announced by invoking Article 245 of the Constitution to tackle rising securing concerns in Islamabad.
Army troops have been empowered to impose a curfew in any locality, if they find it necessary, to maintain law and order.
Security has been heightened at the D-Chowk with personnel being deployed on the rooftops of the key buildings in Islamabad.
Reports citing security sources claimed that over 100 policemen have been injured while some of them are in critical condition.
On the other hand, PTI claimed that several of protesters had sustained bullet injuries.
Bushra Bibi Vows to Fight for Imran Khan
Bushra Bibi, wife of jailed PTI chief Imran Khan, vowed to remain committed to her husband’s release until her last breath as she addressed workers at Burhan Interchange.
The wife of former prime minister said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf protest was not just for Imran Khan, but for the future of the country and its leadership. She addressed crowd while standing on a container, declaring, “My children and brothers, we will not end this protest until Imran Khan returns to us. I will stand here until my last breath.”
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You all need to support us, and even if no one else does, I will remain standing, she added.
Bushra also expressed confidence in unwavering support of Pashtun people, saying “I am confident that Pashtuns are an honorable nation and they will not leave us in the final moments.”
Meanwhile, PTI convoys continued their march towards Islamabad. The convoys, led by KP CM Amin Gandapur and Bushra Bibi, faced slow progress due to roadblocks, but PTI leaders remained determined to reach D-Chowk, demanding the release of political prisoners, including Imran Khan.
The government also placed heavy security measures, blocking roads to Islamabad’s Red Zone and warning that protesters will be arrested. Despite these obstacles, PTI supporters, including leaders from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other regions, are committed to their cause, with some bringing industrial fans to counter tear gas.
The government criticized the protest as a political conspiracy, while PTI leaders vowed to persist in their march for what they see as a fight for the country’s future.
