‘Miscreants want bloodshed, not revolution’: PM Shehbaz on PTI protest

PM said Pakistan cannot afford any form of chaos or bloodshed

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif condemned the recent attacks on law enforcement personnel, calling the actions of violent protesters a "clear attempt at bloodshed rather than revolution."

He described the incidents as not part of a peaceful protest, but as an act of extremism, Express News reported.

In a statement following the tragic deaths of four Rangers personnel, the PM Shehbaz expressed deep sorrow and grief, reiterating that Pakistan cannot tolerate any form of violence or bloodshed for political gain.

He emphasised that the attacks on police and Rangers officers under the guise of a peaceful protest are completely reprehensible.

He said Pakistan cannot afford any form of chaos or bloodshed. He said bloodshed for nefarious political agenda is unacceptable and highly condemnable.

The PM further remarked that law enforcement agencies, tasked with maintaining peace and order, have been deliberately targeted by the disruptive group.

He condemned the attack on security forces, particularly on the Rangers and police officers, noting that these personnel are essential in maintaining law and order in the city.

PM Shahbaz stated that the violent actions of the protesters have devastated the families of the slain officers.

"The innocent children and families of the martyred Rangers and police officers deserve justice," he said, adding that both he and the entire nation offer their condolences and tribute to the fallen officers.

The PM also condemned the incident on Srinagar Highway, where protesters attacked Rangers and police with a vehicle.

He called for immediate identification and prosecution of those responsible for the attack and directed that the injured officers receive the best medical care.

The attacks occurred during a protest organized by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), with tensions rising as protesters clashed with security forces in the capital.

Authorities have vowed to take strict action against those found responsible for the violence.

In response to escalating security concerns in Islamabad, the Ministry of Interior has announced the deployment of the Pakistan Army under Article 245 of the Constitution.

Following a PTI procession from Chungi Number 26 to D-Chowk, heightened security measures were implemented in Islamabad’s red zone, with Rangers personnel stationed at strategic locations

The situation escalated when miscreants rammed a vehicle into Rangers personnel during the protest on Srinagar Highway in Islamabad, resulting in the martyrdom of four Rangers officials and two policemen, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.

Authorities in Islamabad sealed routes to the federal capital's Red Zone and deployed Rangers at key government buildings,ahead of the PTI protests.

Several roads in Islamabad have been blocked at various points with containers.

Heavy contingents of police, FC, Punjab police, and Rangers have been deployed around D-Chowk, where containers have also been placed.