Gov’t accuses PTI protestors of stone-pelting at Chungi no. 26

ISLAMABAD: The federal government accused supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of pelting stones and other violent actions at Chungi no. 26 in Islamabad.

The protestors reportedly pelted stones and fired upon rangers and security personnel. Government sources claim one ranger sustained serious injuries and was transported to the combined military hospital (CMH) in Rawalpindi in ‘critical condition’.

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The security personnel declared that any assault on law enforcers would not be ‘tolerated’, and that efforts were being made to identify all people ‘involved’ in the violence.

According to sources, the law enforcement officers claimed that they were ‘determined’ to ensure that those engaging in ‘unlawful’ activities would be brought to justice.

Around 7 pm on Monday, multiple news outlets reported an increased deployment in rangers, disruptions to the internet and cellular services and the complete closure of motorways and other access points to Islamabad.

Prior to the escalation in violence, the protest had been characterised as “mostly peaceful”.

The ongoing protest by PTI supporters is calling for the release of PTI founder, Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned in Adiala Jail.

The protest led to a huge mobilisation of PTI members, leading to a spike in tensions between the party and authorities. The official state visit by Belarussian president, Alexander Lukashenko, in Islamabad further exacerbated the situation.