As PTI convoys arrived in Islamabad for the party’s planned power show, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned what he described as an “attack by protesters,” which, according to the interior ministry, led to the deaths of at least four Rangers personnel.
The incident occurred as PTI convoys, traveling from various regions since Sunday, gathered in Islamabad for a high-profile rally to demand the release of party leader Imran Khan, among other issues.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack, expressing condolences to the families of the deceased and paying tribute to the four Rangers personnel who lost their lives. In contrast, PTI accused paramilitary Rangers of firing live ammunition at their protesters in Islamabad, resulting in two deaths and four injuries. PTI claimed that at least six people were shot, with two dying instantly and four others being hospitalized.
The party also alleged that its unarmed workers were subjected to intense tear gas shelling by law enforcement, accusing the government of using state institutions to suppress peaceful protest. PTI argued that such actions were causing division and tarnishing Pakistan’s image globally.
In addition to the four Rangers deaths, Radio Pakistan and the Associated Press of Pakistan reported the deaths of two police officers and the severe injury of more than 100 police officials, many of whom were critically hurt.
The attack reportedly involved miscreants who rammed a vehicle into Rangers personnel on the Srinagar Highway during the PTI protest. Security forces responded with tear gas and gunfire, and reports indicated that other law enforcement personnel were also injured by stone pelting and indiscriminate firing.
In response to the violence, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, calling it an act of extremism disguised as a protest. He stressed that violence for political gain was unacceptable and vowed that the authorities would identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army was deployed in Islamabad to assist in managing the escalating situation, with orders to deal with “miscreants” and troublemakers with force, including shooting on sight if necessary. Authorities also warned of potential curfews and further military intervention if the violence continued.
The ongoing protests are part of PTI’s larger political campaign against what it calls an illegitimate government and the passage of the 26th Amendment, which the party claims strengthens a “dictatorial regime.”
