Escalating Violence: Police Respond with Shelling as PTI Workers Retaliate
Tensions continue to rise in the capital as police intensify efforts to disperse protesters with heavy shelling. In response, PTI workers are retaliating by throwing stones at law enforcement. Tear gas is being deployed to control the crowd, but clashes grow increasingly volatile.
Police Empowered to Ensure Red Zone Protection
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi addressed the media, stressing that safeguarding the Red Zone, including D-Chowk, remains the government’s top priority. He affirmed that police have been granted full authority to manage the situation while aiming to avoid casualties despite fierce resistance from protesters.
Naqvi also expressed concerns over the safety of high-profile foreign guests, such as the President of Belarus, who is in Islamabad for official engagements.
Army Takes Full Control of D-Chowk
Under Article 245 of the Constitution, the Pakistan Army, already deployed to protect critical government infrastructure in the Red Zone, has now assumed full control of D-Chowk.
Army personnel have positioned themselves atop containers to monitor the situation closely. Media personnel and DSNG vans have been evacuated to ensure safety. Reinforcements from Rawalpindi, including the Rangers and additional police units, have been brought in to strengthen security.
City on High Alert
The federal capital is under lockdown, with key routes to the Red Zone blocked. Shops in areas like Aabpara Market have been shut due to tear gas, and vehicles have been cleared from roads to prevent congestion. The district administration has sealed major commercial hubs, including Supermarket and Blue Area, as a precautionary measure.
Despite announcements urging PTI supporters to remain peaceful, the standoff between protesters and authorities persists. Strict action has been promised against those disrupting public order.
March Continues Amid Uncertainty
Undeterred by the resistance, the PTI convoy has moved closer to Jinnah Avenue, with D-Chowk as its final destination. The situation remains tense, and both security forces and protesters are preparing for a potential decisive confrontation.
