Islamabad: Pakistan’s political turmoil escalated as a pro-Imran Khan rally turned deadly, leaving five people dead, including a policeman, and dozens injured in violent clashes. The government imposed a “shoot at sight” order against unruly protesters, intensifying tensions nationwide.The protest was sparked by calls from former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who issued a “final call” for nationwide demonstrations on November 24 to denounce alleged electoral fraud, unjust arrests, and the controversial 26th constitutional amendment, which he claims strengthens authoritarian rule. Khan, 72, has been in jail since August but continues to galvanize support from his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.Thousands of PTI supporters rallied across major cities, with Lahore witnessing violent clashes. Protesters, led by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi, breached barricades and fought with security personnel as they advanced toward Islamabad’s D-Chowk, a politically sensitive area near key government buildings.The United States weighed in, urging Pakistan to uphold human rights and allow peaceful protests. “In Pakistan and around the world, we support freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association,” said State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller. He added that while protesters should demonstrate peacefully, Pakistani authorities must ensure respect for the country’s laws and constitution.The rally coincided with a high-level Belarus delegation’s visit to Pakistan, prompting the government to ban rallies under Section 144, a colonial-era law prohibiting political gatherings. Despite this, PTI protesters defied restrictions, resulting in violent confrontations.The government defended the “shoot at sight” order as necessary to maintain law and order, while opposition leaders and rights groups criticized it as excessive. Internet services were suspended in several areas to curb the protests.With political polarization deepening, analysts warn of further instability unless dialogue resumes. Meanwhile, Khan’s supporters remain steadfast, accusing the government of suppressing dissent and undermining democracy. The situation underscores the challenges facing Pakistan’s democratic framework amid escalating unrest.
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