Sikandar Hayat is seen pointing a gun. His wife Kanwal and SSP Operations Dr Rizwan are seen negotiating. PHOTO: EXPRESS
The man armed with two sub-machine guns and accompanied with a woman and two children, whom he claimed were his wife and children, had driven into the middle of the Constitution Avenue on Thursday evening where he fired on the police and started a stand off.
Police tried to negotiate with the armed man, named Malik Sikander Hayat, and police and Rangers commandos surrounded his car while keeping their distance. During this period, the man periodically fired into the air to spread fear among a gathered crowd.
With negotiations going nowhere, MQM MNA Nabil Gabol tried to talk the man out of the act, but failed. Subsequently the PPP leader approached the guy and as he shook hands with the two children, he lunged at the gunman, but failed to grab him
This, though, caught the gunman off guard and he quickly peddled back, and raised his guns in the air. Soon after the commandos shot at the gunman, hitting him in the chest and leg. The woman accompanying him also received a gunshot wound.
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End of Live Updates
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03:00am
Doctor Ayesha at PIMs said that the operation of Sikandar Hayatt had ended after almost two hours but he remains in critical condition due to continuous bleeding.
She added that they trying their best to stop the bleeding from lungs and that the bullets have damaged both of his kidneys.
The PIMS Medical board has decided to shift Sikandar on to ventilators within 24hours if his life remains in danger.
Sikander’s wife Kanwal, who also suffered bullet wounds, was out of danger but remains under mental stress. She has been shifted to general ward.
Police though have not yet been given access to the accused couple until they regain their consciousness and their fragile condition improves, PIMS Hospital spokesperson Dr Waseem Khwaja told The Express Tribune.
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12:10am
PPP leader Zamrud Khan told the media that when he left his house after watching the saga on television, he had decided to catch the gunman, even if it meant he would be killed.
"When I first arrived I asked the SSP that I wanted to go meet him [the gunman], but he denied me permission and told me that the car is full of explosives and that he [gunman] has two loaded guns. But it did not satisfy my honour that I leave without catching him."
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11:34pm
A search will be carried out of Sikandar's car.
See the attack in pictures here.
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11:18pm
Sikandar has been shifted to PIMS. Doctor Ayesha at the hospital said that he has received two bullet wounds, including one in his lower chest that pierced his liver and then into the lumbar region. The other bullet struck him in the leg and caused a fracture. He is currently undergoing a surgery and that his condition is serious.
She added that his wife also received a gunshot wound, but is now stable.
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11:09pm
Kanwal is being taken to women's police station.
Sikandar was shot in his leg four times.
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11:07pm
Sikandar Hayat and his wife have been arrested.
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11:03pm
The police officials have taken one of the children into their custody.
Sikandar tried to fire at Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Zamarud Khan when he approached his children and then jumped to catch him.
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10:54pm
"As our country is an Islamic republic, we want Shariah imposed in Pakistan," said Sikandar while on a telephonic call on Express News.
"I have to answer to God. I will come out on the street even if no one else does," said the armed man.
"People who are aware of the injunctions of Holy Quran should be made leaders," he added.
"Pakistan Army is great. Our intelligence agencies has been taken over by traitors," said Sikandar.
"Do you think it's the Muslims who are bombing?" questions Sikandar.
"I can't even sleep. Did I come to the world to sleep?" says Sikandar.
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10:51
"Arrangements are being made for us so that we can move," says Kanwal.
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10:51pm
"My children are happy. They aren't afraid at all. We will leave soon," says Kanwal, "but which of our demands will be met."
"We have food supplies with us," says Sikandar's wife.
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10:47pm
Kanwal while talking on the phone on Express News says, "We want Shariah imposed in the country. You wouldn't have supported us if we wouldn't have taken this step."
"We want fresh elections to take place according to Sunnah and the Holy Quran," says Sikandar's wife.
"My children aren't going anywhere. We have asked them to go back to Hafizabad or to Murree but they have insisted that they will stay with us," says Kanwal.
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10:21pm
Police officials say they are waiting for orders to start an operation.
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10:09pm
"We will come to a decision soon," says SSP Operations Dr Rizwan.
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10:04pm
SSP Operations Rizwan asked the press officials to move 50 feet away from the site.
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9:53pm
Sikandar is still refusing to lay down his weapons.
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9:51pm
People have gathered there with their families to watch.
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9:47pm
A fight has started between the police men and press officials who have gathered there.
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9:37pm
Road is being blocked by putting up tents. Sikandar's car has been surrounded.
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9:31pm
"The Islamabad police isn't making a move in order to comply with Interior Minister's directive to arrest him alive," says Express News correspondent.
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9:16pm
"Sikandar is constantly changing his statements," Express News correspondent says.
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9:10pm
Nabeel Gabol has urged the forces to take action as soon as possible.
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9:02pm
"I have talked to Kanwal. She is educated. I haven't talked to Sikandar," says Nabeel Gabol.
"However, one statement of her's has put me on guard. She said her children will become mujahid," adds Gabol. "She appears to confident."
Gabol says the police has asked him not to negotiate on the grounds that he might be taken hostage.
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8:53pm
Sikandar has returned to his car.
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8:51pm
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has ordered that the man be arrested alive.
He has said that the woman and the children be kept safe.
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8:47pm
Sikandar says he won't talk to the Rangers who he thinks are Pakistan Army officers.
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8:42pm
SSP Operations is negotiating Sikandar for the third time.
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8:32pm
The police has offered to let Sikandar leave along with his weapons. He has refused to go.
Sikandar's son is seen playing in the background.
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8:31pm
Kanwal is seen talking to Nabeel Gabol.
The formation of police personnel appears to be changing.
It appears that Kanwal has demanded that everyone be moved back.
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8:28pm
Sikandar's first wife lives in UAE and has a son who is in custody of the Emirates police on murder charges, Express News reported.
SSP Dr Rizwan approaches Sikandar to initiate negotiations. The man is armed with both the guns.
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8:16pm
CNIC of Sikandar has been obtained, as well as his house address.
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8:14pm
Sikandar's son is circling the car. Farwah is resting on Kanwal's lap.
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8:13pm
The man was seen firing once again.
Sikandar says, "I want to be inside the Parliament. I want to negotiate with Nabeel Gabol and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif."
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8:10pm
Kanwal has demanded MNA Gabol that negotiations be done after giving up weapons.
"Sikandar is angry at the politicians," says the MNA.
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8:07pm
"Sikandar is not mentally sound," says MNA Nabeel Gabol.
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8:03pm
His wife and children appear to be unperturbed by the occasional firing from Sikandar.
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8:02pm
MNA Nabeel Gabol has reached the site to talk to Sikandar.
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7:58pm
Kanwal is insisting to talk to SSP Operations Dr Rizwan and no else.
Sikandar's family has locked his house in Hafizabad and has fled.
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7:56pm
The policemen have asked Sikandar to let his children and his wife go.
"If something happens to me, it will happen to them too," Sikandar has said.
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7:53pm
Police is trying to retrieve the details of Kanwal's phone calls.
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7:51pm
"The man is often violent to his wife and children," reported Express News correspondent.
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7:48pm
Kanwal was reported to be his second wife. Police reports suggest that is a drug addict and is not in a mentally sound condition.
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7.46pm
"We are prepared to arrest him," say Islamabad police.
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7:42pm
Kanwal who has completed her MPhil in Economics, has demanded that cell phone credit be provided to her.
Police says she is in touch with an unidentified person.
The man has also lived in Dubai.
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7:40pm
The woman has been identified as Kanwal.
A contingent of police has reached Sikandar Hayat's house in Hafizabad.
The children have been identified as Farwa and Abdul Malik.
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7:38pm
The number plate of Sikandar's car isn't real, says Islamabad police.
The man has handed one of the guns to the woman.
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7:33pm
"We can arrest him anytime," says Islamabad police.
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7:30pm
The man is intoxicated and unable to communicate properly, says police official.
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7:28pm
The man has demanded that food be provided to him.
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7:26pm
The man fired again while sitting in his car and was seen changing the direction of his car towards the road that leads up to the Parliament House.
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7:23pm
"The police is staying clear of the man for he would fire when tried to approach him earlier," reported Express News correspondent.
Preparations are being made to provide water bottles.
The man is seen sitting inside the car with the doors of his car open.
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7:12pm
A contingent of Rangers has reached the site.
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7:16pm
The woman is seen walking to and fro between the policemen and Sikandar.
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7:06pm
Ambulances have reached the site.
Express News correspondent reported that his car was stopped at a police checkpoint where an exchange of angry words with the policeman made him bump his car into the side road.
The man had said that the policemen had misbehaved with him.
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7:05pm
One of the personnel from the Anti Terrorist Squad accidentally fired.
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7:04pm
The policemen got the lights on the street switched off except for one. The children and the woman got back in the car.
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7:01pm
The woman was seen taking one of the children behind the bushes. The other child was also seen coming out of the car and was seen with a wound above his left eye.
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6:56pm
The man was heard saying,"We have already reached rock bottom and we will take you with us."
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6:55pm
The man demands that Shariah law be imposed in Pakistan as soon as possible and the current government be dissolved.
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6:54pm
The man was identified as Sikandar and is a resident of Karachi, said the Express News correspondent.
The correspondent said he had only been in Islamabad for two days.
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6:50pm
The man was seen angrily pointing at the commandos and demanded that they be moved.
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6:44pm
Anti-terror squad personnel have also surrounded the car.
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6:42pm
The woman is seen trying her phone and is writing on the copy given to her.
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COMMENTS (145)
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1731910868-0/Copy-of-Untitled-(45)1731910868-0-270x192.webp "veteran journalist khaled ahmed passes away")
very good try a little drop makes the ocean
This could be a diversion. While all the media and police is busy with this psycho path, some other militant/extremist/terrorist group might have already infiltrated one of the sensitive areas of Islamabad. This is happening just a few weeks after a threat was received from the TTP that they wish to target the Navy and Air force head quarters in Islamabad and a search operation was carried out in the Margalla Hills. From the looks of it, this could be a start of something much worse. The Army and police need to handle this very tactfully.
By the grace of God, this drama came to end. I have read most of the comments from our friends. My comments must be read with open hearted. 1. When Law Enforcement Agencies ( LEA) of the city were engaged to this operation, why Mr. Zumarad Khan had to jump into this operation. Yes he might B right, if LEA had been failed. I know his feelings & have great respect but he invited a trouble for himself. I will never call it " Brave ". If it is said he was brave, then what about the LEA? This will lead to insult the LEA of Pakistan. 2. SSP, Dr. Rizwan should be called Brave as he was negotiating with the armed person & set an example of " responsibility" for the others. 3. In such cases, patience is most important factor to gain time. 4. In case, Mr. Zumarad Khan was shot by Sikendar, all the political parties could had created a panic in the country. Mr. Zamurad Khan is a true & patriot Pakistani & there is no doubt in it but the way he adopted was wrong. Moreover it has proved that Security in the country does not exists even in Capital. Security must be made strong enough to face such challenges. They should be equipped with the modern training & equipments so that Armed Forces of Pakistan should not be summoned. 5. In the security check, families are always given respect & this way, it is misused. 6. People of Pakistan are requested to maintain patience while they are checked. Every citizen of Pakistan claims to be a VIP. This culture is damaging Pakistan & this chapter should be over. I have seen in Sri Lanka were you find five to six check posts on the road within a range of five miles but no one ever lodged a complaint about security check. They are also Asians. Security is not only the duty of the government, responsibility also fall on our shoulders. We have to feel our responsibilities to make this country safe & great. This is our country. Long live PAKISTAN.
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@Raj - USA: Dear Mr. Raj, I have seen a video recently in which an american national pointed a gun on himself and demand the police to bring back his GF otherwise he will kill himself and his second demand was to provide his the beer. Police rovided him beer he was sitting on chair enjoying beer and repeating his demands. Police waiting waitning for a proper time and after few hours succeed to catch him. So re think your theory and be up to date
Hero SIKANDAR.....SALAM
This incidence demonstrates utter impotence of the Pakistani security agencies! What price ISI? Nothing more needs to be said. Period.
We are already crushed by terrorism on the name of Holy Islam. We don't need people like Sikandar and Kanwal to change the society by guns. Islam influences souls and minds and changes come first in mind then in society.
where is govt, if they cant control one person what they would with india and usa. shame on you Nawaz sharif
Well I think that the police missed a golden chance to catch him alive when he was going in bushes. He handed over his gun to his wife. They could grab his wife easily and then him.
So ET You just didnt choose to publish my comment...atleast give a decent explanaton...i didnt write something which wasnt true
Two opinions set the mood of discussion on this thread. . In the US the law would not act like this: _ Even the Brits left long ago, the country has not yet completely submitted its sovereignty, for the Cowboy country's rules can be applied here. .
Take him out: _ The very same people in the next breath would shout, killing one person is like killing the whole civilization.
Wait - excuse me - are we really saying well done Zamarrud Khan? Really? I do not doubt the guy's courage and intentions. But then why on earth does he think he can go there and solve it on his own? How? The only reason it took 6 hours was the children. What Zamrrud did engendered the kids' lives. And how on earth did the Islamabad administration or whoever was in charge let Zamarrud do what he did? Horrible. Sorry this is not heroism - this is stupidity at the height.
@ch qasim pr: My thoughts exactly. God bless Allamah Iqbal
Finally, PPP saves the day.
Where were the Drone Champions all this while.
@sharjeel: In USA and other civilized countries anyone who is arme din public places and refueses to surrender to law enforcement agencies is shot and killed at the spot without doing "muzakraat". Recently in USA a pliiceman shot and killed a 15 year old armed boy because he refused to hand down his gun and instead held it towards police. In our country since the educated people are also gorssly illiterate hence they we would hear comments like yours
This was a drama staged by Nawaz league,the Interior Minister/ Government wanted to resolve the staged stand off through talks without any use of force.The objective was to give a message that terrorism could be resoved through negotiations.However,PPP got wind of it and exposed the drama through Zammarud Khan,Nabiel Gobal earlier could not do it.If the armed man was to be shot fataly as was done and his wife shot in the leg, there were innumerable chances presented earlier by the armed man/his wife to the Police for this.But.they were probably not allowed to do that.
Kanwal, an M Phil in Economics talking of Shariah and Mujahideen children and helping her husband in this crazy venture - quite astounding. Kanwal, not Sikandar, needs to be checked out.
@Awan: because you said it and just so you know, a hostage situation in USA won't drag on for hours, the suspect will be taken down by any means to ensure the safety of people. They don't uselessly sit on their haunches for too long! How you find yesterday's handling of the matters "professional" is quite amazing really.
@Awan: Call it professional, I find it ridiculously incompetent. Just glad nobody got hurt and that, too is down to pure luck, Media and that in the West included exploits everything for ratings! Did you follow Boston bombings at all? so lets not go there. And please, comparing a hostage situation in the US to a situation in Pakistan is comparing apples with oranges and I don't even need to explain this!
KUDOS TO Mr. Zamrud Khan, successful people never give up and he proved himself ….GOD knows when our police and rangers will take initiative like this, if police, rangers and army are for build saving our country then why they are scared
Yeah you can shoot a taxi driver, driving his kid to iftar; for not stoping on rangers stop signal ! But you cant shoot this armed man who is holding the Capital hostage.
Even if you want to catch him there are a million commando tactics to do that. It seems our security fources are completely incompetent and untrained.
Shock guns, tranquilizers, remote poisioning and alot of stuff. And the most funny part is the ending... leaving all the security forces starring; a politician decides to be brave, what ?
Even funnier is the awam present on site, watching it all, as if its some famous circus has arrived in the city. I have no clue what is wrong with us.. !
salute to sikandar no one trying to write or leave any comment about sikandar that is nufair you guys just thinking very narrowly .think about why a person bring his wife and kids and stated act like this ? HAZARO SAAL NARGIS ROTI HA APNI BE NORI PAR BARI MUSHKAL SE HOTA HA CHAMAN ME DEDWAR PEDA
Our courts may release him because of "insufficient" evidence
@Fudge
Dear Sir, This was the most professional display by the Pakistan Police in recent history. I do not know who said that the whole capital was made hostage. This was an isolated incident and this happens all over the world. There was a hostage situation at a Louisiana bank a couple of days ago.
Except, everywhere else, people do not make it a spectacle and the media does not exploit the situation for ratings. The opposition does not also try to make political statements.
Even though i am no fan of present Chief Minister, this situation did not call for his presence at the site. The authority rested with Dr. Rizwan and he played his part with utmost maturity.
The most immature and childish were the actions of the media. The cameramen and the anchorpersons alike.
Even now, praising Zamurd Khan? Khan should be tried for breaking the chain of command and interfering with a police investigation.
The most pressing concern should be his actual motives behind carrying all those weapons. May be he was running (smuggling) weapons for terrorists or something. This could have been answered had he been apprehended scathe free! no thanks to the brave Mr. Zamurd
Uhu just new darama by governmnt
It was fake or u can say drama police has so many time clear shot of him and they dint shoot him u don't have to shoot to kill him but at the least u could have disabled him but law enforcement chose not to do it question is why
Actually, Zamurd Khan should be tried for attempted murder and interfering in a police investigation!
Khan's actions, though brave, were ill-planned and threatened the safety of everyone present at the site.
That being said, every civilian present at the site should be tried for interfering in a police investigation. Including the media anchors who took live calls from the culprits.
The most commendable role in this whole episode was played by Dr. Rizwan. And the worst was played by our so called media. Which isn't really a surprise, these guys are just out for the ratings and care little for anything else. Quite aptly the representatives of our whole society.
@Sane person: This guy was not just a mentally disabled person causing chaos in a hospital room. This guy was swinging weapons at ordinary citizens in an area close to President's house! How do you know this guy is mentally ill? What will you do? Wait for him to kill a few and not do anything just because he sounds metallly ill?! What twisted mentality!
@HelloDunya: You are right. How come an ordinary citizen would take matters into his own hands while hundreds of policemen were watching? Police Chief and senior most civil administrator at spot should be fired immediately.
OVER! the kid will grow up to be a terrorist...
After watching performance of security forces, I can guarantee that Taliban will be given walkover in Islamabad. Perhaps this guy was sent by them to check preparations of security forces.
@Seher K: "The police can’t shoot this man down unless he shoots someone"
So basically, the police has to wait for the crime to take place before they can do anything?! Is the police not for the security of the people? Isn't holding weapons and being a threat a reason enough?! I am a little confused!
We are fighting a war against the militants from lawless regions and here in the capital just anyone can come, take the whole city hostage, our police remains clueless, needs the help of an unarmed civilian and we still think the police did as best as they could. They were made to look absolute fools! Watch our for militants next time, they have been shown a great example, their confidence must be sky high. Stop praising police's incompetence.
@Usman Lakhani: yes, my peace loving fellow citizen. How do you know he is mentally ill? We do know this guy is a threat to ordinary citizens and was there to cause chaos and bloodshed. This guy is not just mentally ill! he was indiscriminately using weapons with the intent of killing citizens. He should have been taken down much earlier. Our police was made to look totally clueless here. They took hours (and the help of an unarmed civilian) to capture one armed man and you think it was very professional!
What precedent will it set? Anybody can here and have the whole capital hostage
Also, we should be very, very thankful nobody died otherwise you probably wouldn't find our police so "professional".
It seems to be a Pilot project/operation by taliban.
This is what happens when people are tired of democracy...
@Affan Ali, I can assure you India is not keen on invading Pakistan ever, very silly thinking indeed, their biggest threat is China, they are scared of China. This gunman needs to be sent far away to some mental institution or jail. Full marks given to the rangers who did the shooting. The police here must be highly commended but politicians don't appreciate their hard work.
@goggi (Lahore): "Not only this couple, rather the the whole society is bit-by-bit suffering from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. " . Agreed, the society faces one trauma after another, which one did you mean?
That fool Zamurrad Khan endangered lives of spectators who are bigger fools. He didn't even properly tackle the culprit and ran for his life leaving kids behind in the line of sight. Good thing it all ended on a positive note otherwise that fool will not be here to make all these heroic statements after the wrap up.
What a disgraceful state of affairs!!
I will touch only one point, otherwise the whole process needs investigation.
One silly maverick after watching TV, gets fired up to become a hero...takes a jog to the site...automatically takes over command of the clueless police, and leads an action of which he has no training or insight. He is lucky to be alive as the gunman had ample opportunity to feed him lead. If the whole idea was to take the gunman alive then how come there was no planning on who will shoot and where. The gunman being shot in the chest and 3 times in the leg only shows how panicked and unplanned the police were. Also arial firing after the victory shows stupidity. Moreover I am sure his wife was shot by the law people in sheer excitement.
PPP is the only party that has a will to fight terrorism. Bravo Zamurad Khan.
For once im proud of pakistani police. Shooting him in his head was easy way to finish off things but we have seen enough blood on the street of pakistan. well done zumurad sir.
Typo in my earlier comment. Last line should read .................weapon Sikandar was carrying was not loaded.
"not" mistyped as "now".
Morale of law enforcement agencies is so low that they cannot handle a simple situation. Once this guy fired a single shot, he should have been killed by sharp shooters.
Very sad moment for Pakistan. We have become like a Zombie Country who kill and eat live hood. Where was Choudhry Nissar, if he has little shame must resign from his post. Bring back Musharaf at least he is not coward like our present ruler. Todays event and an indecent scene on Independence Day when people were climbing on the wall of Mazar-e-Qaidazam and children were bathing in the fountain at the Tomb is like no more hope.
Although I am glad that this entire saga is over, a few questions still remain unanswered:
What were his motives? Although he asked for implementation of Sharia Law, he kept changing his statement and often refused to discuss it. Who was the woman constantly talking to on the phone? Note that the SSP also attended one of the calls in the early hours of this incident. Although the security forces had their orders not to shoot Sikander, there were often instances when he was completely off guard. What was stopping the police from acting at that point?Let's hope that Sikander survives his wounds as there are a lot of questions that only he can answer under interrogation. I personally feel this is just a pilot episode; a grand finale is yet to come.
Only a trained commando can handle two G3 simultaneously
those demanding shariah in the country should try to practice it in their homes and leave the life n religion of every man to himself.....secular pakistan is the soluion to each problem v r facing today.....how long wil it take to understand this??????
A brave action from Mr. Zamarud Khan, he deserves Tamga e Shujaat, and a poor show from our police.
Well I must say, the man got courage, he may not be doing it the right way but he making the right demands
No government in pakistan
There is sick people everywhere... He should be a Schizophrenic, police did a good job for me.
Chaos happened in Islamabad today was Extreme show of Inferiority Complex and psychological disorder forced the person to get attention! Health wise it's alarming situation and needs full investigation from each and every angle! (personal opinion)
@goggi (Lahore): @goggi (Lahore): sikander hayat received bullet injuries in islamabad is terrorism of law enforcement agencies
Today Sikander Hayat received bullets/rounds injuries in Islamabad is terrorism of law enforcement agencies.
Dr. Rizwan should learn from Zamarud Khan.
Judging by some of the comments here, he is not the only lunatic around.
From the pictures it looks like shooting of some Lollywood movie.
Hats off to Mr. Zamurad Khan who had the courage to bring this terrorist drama to its end. This has also badly exposed our capability to handle these types of situations. In fact action was not taken because LEA were afraid of Chief Justice's action.
“I have to answer to God. I will come out on the street even if no one else does,” We keep complaining about all the corruption and problems of the country, well at least this guy is doing something about it, however futile. As long as this misgovernance continues then you will have disgruntled men like him, and justifiably so.
@Kashif Ajmal Malik: "Zamrud khan needs to be awarded. GOD BLESS HIM"
Do you really mean it?
Both Nabil Gabool and Zamrud Khan are fools. They are not law enforcing personnel. Importantly, they interfered when law enforcing agencies were doing their job. They should be taken to task for their foolish act that could have endangered many lives.
It was also pathetic to see so many onlookers from the public so close to the scene and media trying to get close to the armed man pointing out the weapon on everyone with his finger on the trigger. Even the law enforcing agencies were so unprofessional for allowing the armed man to come so close to them and allowing his wife to move about freely on the scene. It makes me wonder if all this was stage managed and everyone on the scene knew that the weapon Sikandar was carrying was now loaded.
Quite surprising to read comments suggesting the police should have 'shot him to death'. Is the Muslim Ummah getting used to this bloodshed that they rather chose to kill someone in order to conclude any rising situation? I agree that the situation could have been handled differently where it would not have become a scene of mockery or exploited for number of hours that it lead to, but no one is accounted to be shot just because they are mentally ill or not of sound mind.
The TTP must be scratching their heads and thinking............who IS this fellow Sikandar ? He's stolen our thunder, for a full five hours and that to on the main Islamabad road.
Great tribute the hero Sikandar. What was proved is enough that Pakistan System is corrupt and it still in the hands of foreign hands, it really needs change and that change only possible through Shariah, if not today but will be definitely tomorrow or one day. Salutation to the Sikandar for his possible efforts and his dream will be real soon.
ALHAMDULILLAH TAALA kids are safe. Its not a country of fools that you just come up and try imposing what you want. Sharia shall be imposed but not with the will of a single psychotic person. Go to jail now. Zamrud khan needs to be awarded. GOD BLESS HIM
Horrible to see how PMLN Govt especially Ch. Nisar handled all this SAGA. Aboslutely Terrible. What a joke of National Security.
@Kashif: Can you even comprehend the amount of damage that a sniper bullet can cause? I think forces were sane enough to understand how harmful he was. He had a perfect opportunity to shoot at Zamarud but instead he did not. Whatever the intentions were, but he probably never wanted to harm anyone and that's why the forces were also willing to convince him rather than use force.
@sharjeel: The law here is that you cannot display any weapon in the public even if you have a license. Only law enforcing personnel are allowed to carry weapons openly in public. I am sure this is the law even in Pakistan. Wait till you hear the discussions in TV. Many analysts will quote you the law.
Also, the law enforcing personnel need not try to disarm the armed man. They just have to ask the man to drop his weapon and surrender. If he refuses or disobeys the order, they can and even may have to shoot him down. This person is openly pointing an automatic gun and can kill many if not taken down. The law enforcement agencies have their primary responsibility to protect the unarmed public and not the person pointing an automatic rifle.
Greatest drama by PPP..
Zamarud Khan should be given highest national award for bravery. He should be made a symbol to fight terrorism in the country.Media please do your national duty.
@sharjeel: Special Provision (9) in the UN Document you refer to gives the police wide latitude to shoot suspects like this one, especially one with a sub-machine who has already opened fire!
his demands look legitimate. Why is sharia not implemented in Pakistan anyway?
I don't think it's difficult for them to tranquilize or do anything similar to take him down. There must some other things that Police has not taken any step yet. Let's just hope for the best and may God be with Police and help that person to get out of that situation without getting hurt or hurting anyone.
This appears to be a dress rehearsal by Taliban to attack the most fortified citadel of Pakistan ie Islamabad in which the security forces have given a poor account of themselves. What would have happened if the attack had been made by well armed Talibans needs no elaboration.
What is this? I can't believe it
negotiating with this madman - is the minister sane........................
shoot him in the head before it further prolongs. no such nonsense can be tolerated at any cost.
They can easily take him over but its about the innocent kids he has
@Secular Pakistan: This is a wrong country for you mate, If you don't like it as an Islamic republic you are free you leave. No ones stopping you! Pakistan will never be secular and the Liberals can die trying. Pakistan zindabad!
Finally something exciting is happening in Islamabad. YAY!
@sherazi:
he should be shot immediately where is the sniper??????????????
What???
Shoot someone for demanding implementation of Shariah in Pakistan?
The guy must be a Drone victim.Where is PTI?
This is beneath childish - ET has Sikandar taken a restroom break yet ?
Basic principles on the use of Firearms - United Nation Human Rights 1. Law enforcement officials, in carrying out their duty, shall, as far as possible, apply non-violent means before resorting to the use of force and firearms. They may use force and firearms only if other means remain ineffective or without any promise of achieving the intended result.
As you know other means are available, you cannot practically shoot him.
@Ismaeel: "This could be a diversion." I am inclined to agree with you. While the police are busy here, something big may be in process somewhere else. I hope we are wrong on this. This drama makes no sense. His demands have no solid request.
I say yes to Sharia law, its the only way to save this country infested with criminals and neo- liberals.
@RAJ-USA where have you seen such law? Well according to the law that applies internationally. Police cannot shoot an armed person unless he is targeting anyone. You can only try to un-arm him.
I want opinions from fellows here about this pic. Should an SSP of police stand that too this near a mad and armed man? And isn't it police' responsibility to keep common public away from dangerous area?
@Seher K: Oh dude... this is very far fetched. You are going way over the board to provide justifications for the government, based on hypotheses only. Try again.
this is negligency of security a man come with weapons and entered in heavy security zone and redlight area
Use tranquilizer dart to calm him down.
He cannot be shot unless he makes a move according to the law.
This could be a diversion. While all the media and police is busy with this psycho path, some other militant/extremist/terrorist group might have already infiltrated one of the sensitive areas of Islamabad. This is happening just a few weeks after a threat was received from the TTP that they wish to target the Navy and Air force head quarters in Islamabad and a search operation was carried out in the Margalla Hills. From the looks of it, this could be a start of something much worse. The Army and police need to handle this very tactfully.
The police is exercising restraint at the directives of the central government who would prefer to have the mentally challenged man arrested alive. Rest assured, snipers have their crosshairs on their chest and are simply waiting the command, or another stupid move by Mr. Sikandar Hayat. He will either be arrested shortly or killed in action by the LEAs.
Is this a cricket match too as IG KPK says?? How many overs to go??
where is PML-N Interior minister chaudhry nisar because he is missing for 4 hours and its his responsibility to secure islamabad. if he can,t then he should resign as Interior minister.
@Raj - USA: You can't shoot him fatally unless it's in self defense. Plus he seems mentally ill. You can't specially do that to a mentally ill person, it'll spark a whole new issue. We don't know the whole story. What if he has a whole group? He's threatening the authorities with something, something the authories won't release because they don't want to cause panic. It could be anything.. bombs on one of the kids, in the car, some other place? Otherwise they would never bend this way in front of this couple.
What cartoon film going on, take him down immediately , why is everyone waiting for this news to be shown all over the world before they control the situation. Just pathetic.
Islamabad made hostage by one man...incompetent security agencies....result of quota system where incompetent candidates are selected...
"The man demands that Shariah law be imposed in Pakistan as soon as possible and the current government be dissolved."
Damn... Games Over Man... Games OVER!!!
Where are the snipers?
Look at all these munafiqs, blaming Islam for this guys action. I guess all these munafiqs are scared of real sharia law because they will no longer be able to pretend to be muslim if they want to drink, go clubbing, carry out fraud or engage in adultery.
@MA: people' remote control is with the media... controlled media
Poor response from law enforcement agencies and where is interior ministry???
Where are the tranquilizing bullets of the police/commandos;he is making Pakistan look weak & un-organised in eyes of the citizens and the world.
I am surprised at in-action
he seems prepared to go to heaven after suicidal kind of attack. if he agrees on anything that fails his demands, so first of all security shall take control of his kids and wife, but after that the situation will get more tight and he may start firing on security personnel or may be blast if he has bomb in his car... makes sense?
bloggers, analysts, anchors, writers etc would now have another "muddaa" to keep e'm busy for next few weeks!
A simple man can move with guns in Islamabad... wow? Its being stupid that anyone can come up and demands the government' machinery to stop working and implement sharia law. Is it possible that car has bomb in it and that is why he doesnt leave the car?
Smaller version of Lal Masjid Why? just one woman, only two kids, and above all, only one gun..........demands are almost same.
nisar ali khan should resign
@Seher K: When you take out a weapon in public, even a knife, or point a weapon at anyone in public, the police can shoot him. This is the law everywhere in the world. In USA the police can shoot even if you resist an arrest.
Good for live TV.
All those who say to shoot the person down reminds me of laal masjid. The person will be shot dead and then police will face music from the same people , judiciary and many others. I think Islamabad police has learnt it's lesson
"The police should shot him down at the earliest..."
The Police is not the Army. A soldier has the right to shoot the enemy without any hesitation but the police can only shoot in self defence.
If the man does not point his gun towards the police, the police and snipers can not shoot him.
It appears he is freindly towars them.
Why aren't there ever any gun-wielding mental patients demanding secularism...that would be a nice twist for a change.
People love saying "liberal fascist! liberal fascist!" but I haven't seen a single one 'round here.
Be Secular, Be peaceful.
I might be calling for some form of thrashing or verbal abuse by saying this but I personally believe that the SSP, Dr. Rizwan, has done the right thing by not doing anything in haste. It's better if this person is caught by the security forces and brought to justice for making Islamabad in particular and our nation in general a hostage.
It is being said that the police didn't do its job properly by letting him thorough the check points and police pickets without inspecting him, I've always observed that the policemen always let you through when you're with your family, you can't blame them for not really taking this man as a suspect, no one really goes on a firing spree by taking his kids and his wife along. Just my two cents.
@thinker: Because he might shoot someone or his kids, or even himself as soon as he sees them trying to use tear gas. The police can't risk making a wrong move.
@Amir: It is not just the police. You compare police in land of pure with what you see or read about police in Western countries which is not valid.
that man has got hundreds of bombs and weapons to try and blow up islamabad
Jahil qoam...
I bet this nation will never change even in thousand years.
Can't believe some of the ridiculous comments here. The police are doing the right thing in trying to negotiate and get this person alive. They can then interrogate him and find the motives of his actions. Sounds like he's insane.
Thank you CJ for your actions . Criminals feel so secure that they roam around freely without any fear of police or para military. God bless the public.
he should be shot immediately where is the sniper??????????????
And we are going to fight a war with #TTP and #LEJ with this police. You gotta be kidding me.
why cant they use tear gas or is this reserved for protestors?
The police can't shoot this man down unless he shoots someone. It would be illegal because maybe he really is mentally ill and needs help, maybe he is being forced to do this by someone. He has asked for protection. Why is he asking for that? I wonder who he needs protection from. The police can't close in on him because if they do he will shoot civilians. The police can't take that risk. Plus think of the little children. How will it affect them if their parents are killed in front of their eyes? I wonder how scared the poor things must be right now... I think the police is doing the best they can. I pray that they get to the bottom of this; that they are able to unarm him and are able to arrest the couple.
Why is our police acting so cowardly... Tit for tat policy should be used i.e. if this guy has brought guns to the Capital so should he pay the price now.
Excellent work by the police. Calm and professional, no need to spill blood of mentally ill people.
One gun man takes hostage the whole capital city Islamabad and Pakistan & demands that Shariah law be imposed in Pakistan as soon as possible and the current government be dissolved............. Hallelujah-----hey man, say amen!
Seems like wife is controlling all his moves...
Our police is clue less....
The police should shot him down at the earliest;they should not give positive signs to the terrorists that any1 can come and start firing at the main highway of the capital. The media should not potray this act also as a failure on federal government end, same like they were doing for DI Jailbreak on PTI government.
Pathetic...where are the snipers to take him out? Horrible planning by the security forces!
I am shocked to see the "Tamashbeens" around the car. If any thing happens to any of these curious people, I guess they deserve it. Police should push these people away.
The religious fanaticism continues ....
@UFF: they are TYPICAL day dreamer Pakistanis
That's just BAD planning. This is a lose-lose for the culprits. lol.