Interior Ministry: No Direct Clash Between Pakistan Army and Violent Mob

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Interior has clarified that there was no direct clash between the Pakistan Army and violent protesters during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in Islamabad.

In a statement, the Ministry explained that on November 21, the Islamabad High Court had ordered the federal government to maintain law and order at all costs. The court also instructed the Interior Minister to engage with PTI leaders to ensure peace during the protest.

The statement also mentioned that, due to the planned visits of the President of Belarus and a high-level Chinese delegation, PTI was repeatedly asked to postpone their protest. Despite this, and offers of special concessions, including meetings with PTI leader Imran Khan, the party insisted on continuing the protest.

Instead of holding the demonstration at the suggested location in Sangjani, PTI protesters entered the Red Zone of Islamabad, violating the law. The Ministry highlighted that the violent protesters targeted law enforcement officers during their march from Peshawar to the Red Zone. They used weapons such as steel slingshots, stun grenades, tear gas shells, and wooden sticks with nails. The protest also made significant use of resources from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.

The Ministry of Interior condemned these actions, stating that despite receiving extraordinary privileges and ignoring court orders, PTI continued to break the law and put officers’ safety at risk.