Chaos in the Capital: Is Pakistan heading towards a Martial Law?
My friend, currently posted at the 'Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS)' in Islamabad, shared some alarming news over the phone. He mentioned that in just two nights, 177 dead bodies were moved to the hospital's morgue. While I cannot verify whether this figure is exaggerated, one thing is certain: the situation in Pakistan's capital is chaotic and tense.
I've tried to collect information from all the international as well as national news platforms, adding to the information I'm getting from my relatives and my friends in Islamabad. So what's really happening in the capital?
The past week in Islamabad has been marked by intense unrest, escalating violence, and heavy political tensions. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters initiated large-scale protests demanding the release of their jailed leader, former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The situation intensified after violent clashes between protestors and security forces, leading to multiple fatalities and significant injuries....
The protests began in response to Imran Khan's prolonged detention. Demonstrators, led by prominent PTI leaders and Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, attempted to reach Islamabad's highly secure Red Zone. Government authorities imposed strict lockdowns, blocking key highways and deploying paramilitary forces. Despite these measures, the protestors breached barriers and clashed with security personnel, resulting in bloodshed.
On November 26, PTI supporters reportedly drove a vehicle into a group of Rangers personnel, causing four deaths and injuring several others. The violence prompted the federal government to invoke Article 245, granting the army powers to restore order, including the use of force and curfews the independent
The ongoing turmoil has left at least six people dead, including a police officer and security personnel. The PTI claims two of its supporters were also killed. Over 100 police officers sustained injuries, some critically. Protestors accused the paramilitary forces of using live ammunition, while the government denounced the PTI for targeting law enforcement
Amid the chaos, local businesses and residents faced disruption due to lockdowns and internet shutdowns. The government’s use of shipping containers and barricades to block roads further paralyzed the city
To prevent further escalation, the government deployed military forces under emergency powers. Soldiers patrolled sensitive areas, including diplomatic zones, and were authorized to shoot miscreants on sight. This controversial decision has sparked debates about its implications for civilian governance the news
)The Shehbaz Sharif-led government condemned the protests, labeling them as extremist activities aimed at destabilizing the nation. PTI leadership, however, accused the authorities of suppressing their democratic rights. The crisis highlights the deep divisions in Pakistan's political landscape, with fears of further unrest looming
Dawn news Pk
The recent unrest in Islamabad has brought Pakistan to one of its lowest points in recent history. The scale of casualties is both alarming and tragic, with multiple confirmed deaths and numerous injuries reported as clashes between pro-PTI protesters and government-led armed personnel continue. Unverified accounts from hospital sources, including PIMS, suggest a shockingly high number of fatalities, further emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
The capital has descended into chaos, with roads blocked, businesses shuttered, and internet services suspended in many areas. Islamabad, a symbol of political and administrative order, now stands as the epicenter of unrest, reflecting the growing divide in the nation.
On one side are the PTI supporters, driven by anger and desperation, demanding the release of their jailed leader, Imran Khan. On the other side are government forces, tasked with maintaining law and order but accused of using excessive force, including live ammunition and curfews, to suppress the protests.
The violence and loss of life have created deep fissures in Pakistan's social and political fabric. The inability of both sides to seek resolution through dialogue has only exacerbated the situation, leaving the nation teetering on the edge of further instability. For many, this crisis reflects not just political strife but a profound humanitarian tragedy.
cc; @pennsif
I have just had a look at what is currently being reported in our media about the current situation in Pakistan...
Closed zoos due to increased air pollution, a case of monkeypox reported and - Islamabad introduces pink buses for women and girls...
We have information gaps, it seems. Thank you for the report. Take care of yourselves! Hopefully things will stabilise soon.
It's absolutely insane to know how media has changed the way we perceive the world. The impact is unbelievable...