Army has been deployed in Pakistan's federal capital Islamabad. Also ordered to shoot on sight. This information was given in the report of Pakistani media Geo News citing security sources. The country's government issued the order amid fears that supporters of Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan might reach the capital and protest.
Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan's party Tehreek-e-Insaf Party (PTI) was scheduled to reach Islamabad on November 24. However, due to the size of the convoy coming from different parts of the country and massive barricades on the way, they could not reach the scheduled time. The party, however, said they wanted to reach D-Chowk, the venue announced for their rally in Islamabad, at any cost peacefully.
To deal with this situation, the government of Pakistan has deployed the army in the capital under Article 245 of the country's constitution. A source in the security forces said that the army has been deployed under Article 245. Besides, strict orders have been issued to deal with the situation, so that instability and armed assailants are suppressed with a firm hand. Apart from this, the order to 'shoot on sight' has also been issued, the source said.
Due to growing security concerns, the Ministry of Interior has announced the deployment of Pakistan Army in Islamabad under Article 245 of the Constitution. In a statement, the authorities ordered security forces to take strict action and take strict action against rioters and miscreants. Even shooting rioters on sight has been authorized as an extreme measure.
According to the notification of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Pakistan Army can issue curfew in any area in order to maintain law and order. Besides, security forces have been deployed across Islamabad and some members have taken up positions on the roofs of important buildings.
An Islamabad High Court ruling last week said the PTI's planned protest was illegal and ordered the government to take all necessary steps to maintain law and order in Islamabad without disrupting public life. On the other hand, while the PTI convoy was moving throughout the day yesterday, the Punjab government and the police said that a constable was killed by rioters at the Hakla interchange.
PTI leader Shaukat Yousafzai told Dawn from Burhan Interchange in Atak that the convoys have left for Islamabad. However, due to the size of the fleet and the barricades on the road, it has to proceed slowly. He claimed that the police retreated after seeing the 'huge procession'. Yousafzai also said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Gandapur wants to reach D-Chok peacefully but at any cost.
Yousafzai said, 'The march will not stop until the innocent royal prisoners—including Imran Khan—are released.' He said, 'The government is inefficient and their aim is only to beat the people and block the roads. Government's only aim is to suppress PTI. They are not political people. We are slowly moving towards our destination. By Allah's will, truth will prevail.'
