Pakistan army issues 'shoot-at-sight' order amid violent protests to release Imran Khan

As the situation in Pakistan worsens amid violent protests in the capital, the nation's army has issued "shoot at sight" orders under Section 245, a clause meant for the armed forces "to defend Pakistan against external aggression or threat of war", reported Bloomberg. 

This comes after the Pakistan government asked the country’s army to intervene as the situation worsened. 

The clause further gives the army an open hand as it nullifies any judicial intervention or future proceedings.

The army's order also instructed the soldiers to "not spare anyone", Pakistan's local media reported. 

PTI supporters attack media 

The journalists covering the unrest have reported that several media organisations have come under attack. 

People from the crowd of PTI demonstrators with party flags and slingshots attacked the media crew covering the protest and also pelted stones.

They further targeted adjoining buildings to D Chowk too where media personnel took positions to cover the developments.

The media personnel were left to fend for themselves as no police personnel intervened to bring these elements into check. 

Also read: Who is Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan's third wife leading PTI protests in Pakistan's capital against govt?

WION reporter's building was also attacked by the protesters. 

Sara Hassan, of VOA Urdu, asked PTI leaders to help get their team out of the area, reported BBC. Meanwhile, the Independent's Urdu team said they were "mishandled by apparent PTI supporters".

Sadiq Sajid, a senior journalist at AIK News TV, told BBC News that 15 to 20 staff members were forced to lock themselves inside their office after protesters entered the building.

Watch | Pakistan: Violent Protest Erupt, Govt Orders Shoot At Sight For Imran Khan’s Supporters | WION

In response, the PTI said that they have told supporters not to attack media teams, saying the attacks were "deplorable". 

PTI worker killed 

The PTI party said that one of its members "was martyred last night by rangers and police” around Islamabad during the ongoing protests.

The party identified the worker as Abdul Qadir Khan, an elected councillor from the village of Suban Gali of Lower Tanalo, Abbottabad. They also shared a picture of Qadir Khan in a shroud. 

“His funeral prayers were performed in his native village,” the party posted on X.

Thousands of PTI supporters are currently protesting for the release of imprisoned Imran Khan and have forced their way through security barriers, defying the lockdown in the country's capital. 

(With inputs from agencies)