Pakistan’s army has been ordered to “shoot on sight” as protests demanding former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s release escalate. Clashes have already killed four soldiers and at least one protester, according to reports.
Protesters stormed Islamabad late Monday, defying government efforts to contain the demonstrations. Supporters of Khan removed roadblocks set up to stop them, especially from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Security forces responded with tear gas, but the crowds persisted.
The protests turned deadly. Officials confirmed the death of a police officer and injuries to more than 119 others. Two officers remain in critical condition. Protesters set vehicles on fire in parts of the capital. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said, “Those who gave the call for the protest and seconded it are responsible for policemen casualties.”
To control the unrest, Islamabad authorities closed schools and suspended mobile services in some areas. They also banned gatherings of more than five people. Security forces secured the Red Zone, which houses government buildings, embassies, and officials’ residences.
Imran Khan, detained for over a year, faces over 150 charges, including corruption and inciting violence. Courts have granted him bail in some cases, but he remains in custody. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), demands his release and the reversal of a law they claim allows government interference in judicial affairs.
The protests are hurting Pakistan’s fragile economy. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb estimated daily losses at 144 billion rupees ($518 million). Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government struggles to stabilize the economy under a strict International Monetary Fund (IMF) program.
Khan’s spokesman, Zulfi Bukhari, reported one protester dead and 20 injured. The government has not confirmed this but blames Khan’s supporters for the violence. Naqvi vowed to arrest anyone trying to enter restricted areas in Islamabad.
The ongoing protests add to Pakistan’s political and economic challenges. The situation remains volatile as tensions between the government and Khan’s supporters intensify.
