The political dynamics in Pakistan have taken a dangerous turn as the PTI protest continue to escalate. There are reports of violent crashes between the supporters of Imran Khan and the security forces. Khan’s prolonged arrest and growing public dissatisfaction fuelled the November 24 protest.
D Chowk Protest
Supports of Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf had vowed to gather at D chowk and protest until their leader, former Prime Minister Imran Khan is released. They protested for the unfair arrest of Khan. They defied all restrictions to gather at D chowk which is in Islamabad’s Red Zone. It is a highly sensitive area that consists of government offices and diplomatic missions.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has resorted to Article 245 of the constitution. It enables the deployment of army in the Red Zone for the maintenance of law and order. Security forces have used multiple ways to disperse the crowd including tear gas.
Khan’s Message
Imran Khan in his recent message from the prison has urged all his supporters to fight till the end and not give up under any circumstances. He motivates them that they have been mistreated and deserve justice. Therefore, they must struggle for justice till the end. This message by Khan has fuelled zeal and determination in his supporters who are committed to go through anything to get Khan out of prison. This has made the maintenance of law and order tougher.
PTI Protest Outcomes
The protest by Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf has taken a violent turn as it is having tragic outcomes. Several security personnel have lost their lives while dozens have been injured. On the other side, protesters also claim that they have been inflicted with live bullets resulting in significant casualties among them.
The capital, Islamabad remain the epicentre of the protest but violence has started breaking out in other cities as well as protestors continue to march towards Islamabad.
Global Attention
Islamabad protests have gathered global attention as well as International parties watch the political events in Pakistan very closely. Many of them call out for peaceful dialogue. However, Pakistan’s political instability may risk its relations with key allies.
As the protests continue, Pakistan faces a critical juncture. For now, streets of Islamabad remain a battleground as forces clash with the protestors. The question arises that whether Pakistan will come out of this political crisis stronger than ever or will the unrest deepen?