Government orders army to kill PTI protestors on-sight amid Islamabad unrest

Chaos has struck Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, as reports emerge that the government has asked the army to curb protests demanding the release of former PM Imran Khan. Demonstrations had turned violent, killing four police officers and one civilian in clashes. The orders by the government for the army to kill PTI protesters only added fuel to the fire, sparking an all-out chaotic situation.

Protesters have ignored the warnings and filled the streets, brandishing sticks and stones. The army responded by invoking Section 245, which grants it all-embracing powers to take action without judicial oversight. According to the provisions, the military allegedly issued “shoot at sight” orders – an extreme measure to quash what it defines as a growing menace. The orders by the government for the army to kill PTI protesters put the gravity of the crisis into perspective.

Government supports army to kill PTI protestors, but protestors remain firm in their stance

Imran Khan, who served as Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 to 2022, remains a polarizing figure. He was barred from participating in elections and stood multiple cases, including corruption and even sedition. His followers take these allegations as politically motivated, which call for his release. However, the government ordered the army to kill PTI protesters reflecting a hard-line stand against his movement.

This year’s elections in February were marred by allegations of rigging. Although Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) took most of the seats, rival factions formed a coalition government sidelining him and protesters now demand both the release of Khan and a reversal of the disputed election results. Government orders army to kill PTI protesters have only intensified calls for accountability.

The originally peaceful protests have turned gory. Authorities in Islamabad have locked down the city and brought out over 20,000 police officers and soldiers armed with tear gas, rifles, and riot gear. Roads are barricaded, mobile networks disrupted, and drones for surveillance. The frail Pakistan democracy was dealing with shadows from an order given by the government to kill PTI protesters.