Midnight Crackdown on Islamabad Protests, Authorities Clear Islamabad of Imran Khan Supporters Amid Violent Clashes
In a dramatic overnight operation, Pakistani authorities deployed security forces to clear Imran Khan’s supporters from key areas in Islamabad. The midnight crackdown came after days of escalating tensions, culminating in violent clashes that resulted in casualties, including the deaths of police officers.
🇵🇰 🪧 Demonstrators in #Pakistan‘s #Islamabad on Tuesday breached a #lockdown imposed by the city’s authorities, openly defying a government order which said rangers would respond with live fire if under a threat.
FRANCE 24’s @DelanoDSouza has the details ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/WYouzuEGf5
— FRANCE 24 English (@France24_en) November 26, 2024
The operation was launched in response to ongoing protests by supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Demonstrators had taken to the streets, demanding Khan’s release and calling for fresh elections.
Intense Clashes and Police Casualties
The protests turned violent earlier in the week, with demonstrators and police forces engaging in physical altercations. Several officers reportedly lost their lives during these clashes. According to official sources, protestors were accused of attacking law enforcement personnel and damaging public property.
The authorities justified the late-night operation, citing the need to restore order and ensure public safety. “The law will not allow anyone to disrupt peace and stability in the capital,” stated an Islamabad police official.
Imran Khan’s Legal Troubles Spark Outrage
Imran Khan, who was ousted from power in April 2022, has faced numerous legal battles and allegations, including corruption charges. His arrest earlier this year led to widespread protests across Pakistan. Khan has maintained his innocence, framing the legal actions against him as politically motivated and a ploy to stifle his political resurgence.
The current protests erupted following Khan’s call for mass demonstrations to oppose the government’s actions. His supporters, who view him as a symbol of resistance against a deeply entrenched political system, gathered in large numbers, demanding his release.
The Midnight Operation
The midnight operation in Islamabad involved deploying hundreds of police officers, paramilitary forces, and specialized riot control units. Authorities used tear gas, water cannons, and baton charges to disperse the crowd. Protestors were reportedly detained in large numbers, with officials citing the need to prevent further unrest.
While the operation succeeded in clearing major roads and public spaces, it drew criticism from PTI leaders. “The government has crossed all limits of oppression,” a PTI spokesperson stated. The spokesperson also accused the authorities of using excessive force and suppressing the democratic right to protest.
Rising Political Uncertainty
Pakistan’s political climate has grown increasingly volatile in recent months. The country’s economic challenges, including soaring inflation and dwindling foreign reserves, have exacerbated public discontent. The political rivalry between Imran Khan’s PTI and the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has further deepened the divide.
Khan’s supporters argue that the government’s crackdown is a sign of desperation. However, critics of PTI claim that the protests have destabilized the nation and contributed to economic uncertainty.
International Reactions
The midnight crackdown has attracted international attention, with human rights organizations expressing concern over the use of force against protestors. Amnesty International urged the Pakistani government to ensure the right to peaceful assembly and avoid excessive use of force.
The U.S. State Department has also emphasized the importance of respecting democratic processes and maintaining stability in Pakistan. “We urge all parties to resolve their differences through dialogue and within the framework of the law,” a spokesperson said.
The midnight operation to disperse PTI supporters marks a critical moment in Pakistan’s ongoing political crisis. With elections on the horizon, the government faces immense pressure to balance maintaining law and order with addressing public grievances.
The crackdown underscores the challenges facing Pakistan’s democracy, as political rivalries threaten to overshadow pressing economic and social issues. The coming months will be pivotal in determining the nation’s path forward as it navigates a fragile political landscape.
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