Home » ‘Shoot at sight’ orders in Pakistan amid rising protests by Imran Khan supporters

‘Shoot at sight’ orders in Pakistan amid rising protests by Imran Khan supporters

Imran Khan, a cricketer-turned-politician, served as Pakistan's Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022.

by World Desk
0 comment 3 minutes read

Islamabad is witnessing unprecedented chaos as thousands of protesters demand the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The intensifying unrest has led the government to deploy the Pakistan Army under Section 245, granting them sweeping powers, including controversial “shoot at sight” orders.

Key Developments in Islamabad 

  1. Casualties: At least four police officers and one civilian have died, with nearly a dozen critically injured during clashes between protesters and law enforcement.
  2. Protest Scale: Tens of thousands of supporters from across Pakistan have converged on Islamabad, armed with sticks, stones, and catapults.
  3. Army’s Role: The military’s intervention under Section 245 gives it authority to act without judicial oversight. Local media reports claim soldiers have been instructed to “not spare anyone.”

Imran Khan’s Political Turmoil 

Imran Khan, a cricketer-turned-politician, served as Pakistan’s Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022. Since his ousting, he has faced numerous legal battles, ranging from corruption and sedition to vandalism. His supporters claim these charges are politically motivated, aimed at preventing his return to power.

Election Controversy:

– February 2024 elections were allegedly rigged, according to Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

– PTI won the most seats but was blocked from forming a government by a coalition seen as aligned with military interests.


ALSO READ: India condemns arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh, MEA issues statement


Protesters’ Demands:

  1. Immediate release of Imran Khan.
  2. Overturning the February 2024 election results.

Violence and Crackdowns 

Initially planned as peaceful demonstrations, the protests turned violent following a police pushback. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif labeled the unrest as “extremism,” accusing protesters of seeking bloodshed rather than revolution.

To curb the protests, authorities have fortified Islamabad:

– Deployment: Over 20,000 police officers, soldiers, and riot control units are on the ground.

– Measures: Key roads are barricaded, public gatherings are banned for two months, and mobile connectivity has been sporadically cut. Drones are being deployed for surveillance.

PTI’s Resilience 

Despite repeated crackdowns, Imran Khan’s PTI continues to hold rallies nationwide, with the Islamabad protest being the largest since Khan’s imprisonment in August 2023.

The escalating tensions have plunged Pakistan into further political instability, with the international community watching closely. The government’s heavy-handed approach, including military intervention and the imposition of restrictions, is drawing criticism domestically and abroad.


Did you know that you can join The Theorist on WhatsApp and stay updated? Click here

You may also like

Leave a Comment