Islamabad stand-off: Army not backing PTI or PAT, says ISPR

Published August 31, 2014
Injured opposition protesters walk during the anti-government march near the prime minister's residence in Islamabad on September 1, 2014. – AFP Photo
Injured opposition protesters walk during the anti-government march near the prime minister's residence in Islamabad on September 1, 2014. – AFP Photo
A supporter (2nd R) of Tahirul Qadri lifts up the hand of a Pakistan Army soldier during a march towards the prime minister's house in Islamabad, September 1, 2014. — Photo by Reuters
A supporter (2nd R) of Tahirul Qadri lifts up the hand of a Pakistan Army soldier during a march towards the prime minister's house in Islamabad, September 1, 2014. — Photo by Reuters
Soldiers stand guard outside the headquarters of PTV after the building was stormed by supporters of Tahirul Qadri and Imran Khan during anti-government protests in Islamabad on September 1, 2014. — AFP
Soldiers stand guard outside the headquarters of PTV after the building was stormed by supporters of Tahirul Qadri and Imran Khan during anti-government protests in Islamabad on September 1, 2014. — AFP
Supporters of Tahirul Qadri and Imran Khan enter the headquarters of the state owned Pakistan Television building during anti-government protests in Islamabad on September 1, 2014. — AFP
Supporters of Tahirul Qadri and Imran Khan enter the headquarters of the state owned Pakistan Television building during anti-government protests in Islamabad on September 1, 2014. — AFP
Army soliders stop protestors after clashes with anti-government demonstrators and police near the prime minister's residence in Islamabad on September 1, 2014. — AFP
Army soliders stop protestors after clashes with anti-government demonstrators and police near the prime minister's residence in Islamabad on September 1, 2014. — AFP
A policeman fires his weapon as he runs away with others from supporters of Tahirul Qadri during the march towards the prime minister's house in Islamabad, Sept 1, 2014. — Reuters
A policeman fires his weapon as he runs away with others from supporters of Tahirul Qadri during the march towards the prime minister's house in Islamabad, Sept 1, 2014. — Reuters
Imran Khan addresses his supporters near the prime minister's residence following clashes with riot police in Islamabad — AFP Photo
Imran Khan addresses his supporters near the prime minister's residence following clashes with riot police in Islamabad — AFP Photo
A Pakistani riot policeman kicks a tear gas shell - AFP
A Pakistani riot policeman kicks a tear gas shell - AFP
Army soldiers disperse protestors after clashes with anti-government demonstrators and police near the prime minister's residence in Islamabad on September 1, 2014. — AFP
Army soldiers disperse protestors after clashes with anti-government demonstrators and police near the prime minister's residence in Islamabad on September 1, 2014. — AFP
Protesters hold sticks after intruding into the state television building in Islamabad, Sept 1, 2014. — Photo by AP
Protesters hold sticks after intruding into the state television building in Islamabad, Sept 1, 2014. — Photo by AP
A supporter of Canadian cleric Tahirul Qadri returns a tear gas shell towards riot police during an anti-government protest in Islamabad on September 1, 2014. – AFP Photo
A supporter of Canadian cleric Tahirul Qadri returns a tear gas shell towards riot police during an anti-government protest in Islamabad on September 1, 2014. – AFP Photo

The plan to oust the PML-N led government and topple Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif from power is reaching critical mass.

The last 48 hours saw the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) anti-government protests morph Islamabad's Red Zone from a concert ground to a bloody battlefield, with at least three people killed and hundreds injured.

The deadly confrontation shows little signs of letting up, as both Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri have encouraged their supporters to battle on, while negotiations with the government appear to be going nowhere - despite the Pakistan Army playing the role of 'mediator'.

Follow our live updates below.

Read up on Saturday and Sunday's violent clashes

Opinion

Editorial

Beyond the surplus
Updated 20 Jul, 2025

Beyond the surplus

Long-term solution to our recurring balance-of-payments crises lies in resolving the structural gaps.
Dire straits
20 Jul, 2025

Dire straits

THE state has a major problem on its hands. The people of KP are repeatedly making it clear that they have no ...
Attack mindset
20 Jul, 2025

Attack mindset

HAVING begun Mike Hesson’s era as head coach with a convincing home Twenty20 series victory against Bangladesh,...
Rain havoc
Updated 19 Jul, 2025

Rain havoc

Thursday’s events must be seen not as an isolated disaster, but as a warning of what lies ahead.
Shattered Strip
19 Jul, 2025

Shattered Strip

THE Gaza siege has now crossed 650 days and the situation continues to take one ugly turn after another. True, even...
Battling drugs
19 Jul, 2025

Battling drugs

PAKISTAN’s war on drug trafficking has been ongoing for several years. But the country remains awash in the ...