Pakistan Army given ‘shoot-on-sight’ orders amid PTI protests in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD – Several Rangers personnel have been martyred, and others injured amid violent clashes between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters and law enforcement agencies in capital city Islamabad.

The unrest comes after PTI’s march reached the capital, intensifying tensions between the protesters and the government.

In light of the deteriorating security situation, Pakistan Army called in under Article 245 of the Constitution. This move grants the military the authority to take extreme measures, including the use of force against rioters and the imposition of curfews in areas where necessary to maintain order.

Security forces across the city have been put on high alert, with paratroopers stationed in key areas and media personnel relocated from sensitive zones. Several security units have been deployed on rooftops to monitor the situation in real-time, particularly in the Red Zone as PTI’s procession moves toward D-Chowk.

A vehicle struck a group of Rangers personnel, resulting in the deaths of four paratroopers and injuries to five others. Additionally, two police officers were injured. The attack has heightened tensions, with over 100 police officers reported injured, many critically. A civilian was also among the fatalities.

The bodies of the five deceased security personnel, including three Rangers and one Frontier Corps member, have been transferred to a state-run hospital in Islamabad.

The situation in Islamabad remains tense, with authorities continuing to monitor the developments closely. Security measures are expected to intensify as the government braces for further unrest in the coming days