Pakistan Enforces Shoot on Sight Orders, Shuts Schools, Suspends Internet Amid PTI Protests

Pakistan (The Uttam Hindu): In a dramatic escalation, supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have intensified their protests to demand his release from prison. The capital, Islamabad, saw chaos as protesters managed to breach barricades made of shipping containers, which were set up to limit their movement.

The violent clashes between protestors and security forces have resulted in at least six deaths, fueling the government's resolve to maintain control. In response to the growing unrest, authorities issued a stern shoot-at-sight order, aiming to restore order. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi further warned that security forces had the authority to return fire if attacked, underscoring the severity of the situation. He said, "If they fire bullets again, we will respond with bullets," signaling a zero-tolerance approach.

The violence also included a vehicle assault that claimed the lives of four security officers and one civilian, although no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned these actions, referring to the attackers as an "anarchist group" attempting to destabilize law enforcement.

The government's crackdown on PTI has been intense, with over 4,000 arrests since Friday. Additionally, mobile and internet services have been suspended in certain areas, hindering communication, while a court has imposed a ban on rallies in Islamabad. PTI has defied the ruling, which has disrupted daily life, including roadblocks and the closure of schools. Social media restrictions have also hampered PTI's ability to organize and spread their message.

Despite being in prison for over a year and facing multiple criminal charges, Khan remains immensely popular among his supporters. His party claims that his legal issues are politically motivated, a stance rejected by the government, which insists that only the courts have the authority to release him. Khan has been in detention since his conviction in a corruption case in August 2023, following his ousting in a 2022 no-confidence vote.

Amid the ongoing protests, Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, has emerged as a prominent figure in the movement, calling for a peaceful march toward Islamabad's Red Zone, the area housing key government buildings. Although their march is still 10 kilometers from its goal, she has urged the government not to use force against demonstrators and has promised further action if Khan is not freed.

The protests have also targeted journalists, with reporters, including an Associated Press videographer, being attacked. This has shifted media coverage toward the security measures in place, overshadowing the rally itself. The government's determination to suppress the protests is clear, and its readiness to use force has intensified the already volatile situation.

As both the government and PTI hold their ground, the crisis in Islamabad shows no signs of resolving anytime soon. The unrest not only exposes deep political divisions in Pakistan but also threatens regional peace and stability. With both sides firm in their stance, the outcome remains uncertain, and hopes for a peaceful resolution continue to hang in the balance.