Amid escalating violence during protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the federal government has deployed the army in the capital under Article 245. The Interior Ministry has issued a notification authorizing military intervention to restore order and crack down on miscreants. The army has been granted the authority to impose curfews and, if necessary, take strict measures, including shooting troublemakers on sight.
🚨 The army has been deployed to all key buildings on Constitution Avenue. They have also been authorized to shoot PTI miscreants and troublemakers on sight, following the killing of five Rangers personnel.
— Saad Kaiser 🇵🇰 (@TheSaadKaiser) November 26, 2024
Officials stated that steps are being taken to counter terrorist activities by extremist and disruptive elements, with efforts underway to identify and bring miscreants to justice.
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The move comes after a tragic incident on Srinagar Highway, where PTI protesters allegedly rammed a vehicle into Rangers personnel, leading to the deaths of four Rangers and injuries to five others, along with two police officers. In total, four Rangers and two police officers have reportedly lost their lives due to the violence, while over 100 police personnel have sustained injuries, many of them critically.
PTI supporters, responding to calls from their jailed party founder, have entered Islamabad, gathering at D-Chowk with plans to remain until their demands—including the release of the former prime minister—are met. The federal capital has been under security lockdown for two days, with roads barricaded and highways blocked using shipping containers. Convoys of protesters, led by Bushra Bibi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, have faced heavy police and paramilitary resistance.
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In recent months, PTI has frequently marched on the capital, resulting in repeated clashes with law enforcement agencies.