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
Hashmi to Imran: Do not expect umpire’s support
In an interview to a private TV channel, PTI President Javed Hashmi said that he had told his party’s chairman not to leave his fate on any third umpire. “Khan Sahib, do not think that the umpire will favour you,” Hashmi claimed to have told this to the PTI chairman.
He said Saifullah Niazi, Jahangir Tareen and Sheikh Rasheed were the ones who mended Imran’s opinion regarding Army’s support. Hashmi claimed that the PTI chief had been assured about support of five Corps Commanders.
Three more FIRs registered against Imran, Qadri
Three more cases have been registered in Islamabad against Imran Khan, Dr Tahirul Qadri and protesters from their parties, according to DawnNews.
Two separate FIRs were registered in Margalla Police Station against the marchers, first for reportedly snatching a teargas gun from a policeman, while the second one was for setting a police bus on fire.
The third one was registered at Aabpara Police Station.
Army not responsible for political crisis: ISPR
In a statement issued Monday, the ISPR has rejected the assertions that the military and ISI were backing the protesters.
The press release states: “ISPR has categorically rejected the assertions that Army and ISI were backing PTI/PAT in anyway in the current political standoff. Army is an apolitical institution and has expressed its unequivocal support for democracy at numerous occasions. It is unfortunate that Army is dragged into such controversies.”
“Integrity and unity of the army is its strength which it upholds with pride.”
Security forces vs protesters in the Red Zone
Please click on bullets for stats:
Nawaz rules out resignation
Assuring the nation, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that neither he will resign, nor will he go on leaves, state-run PTV reported.
According to a joint statement issued after the opposition parties’ meeting at the PM House, the premier said that he would not let people’s mandate be hijacked by intimidation. The statement said that the country’s future was linked to democracy.
Imran Khan leaves sit-in site
According to local TV channels, PTI Chairman Imran Khan has left the sit-in site in his car. He reportedly has gone to workout.
Qureshi seeks Altaf’s help to break deadlock
Speaking to Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain over telephone, PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that the nation needs guidance from a seasoned politician like him, DawnNews reported.
“The whole nation is looking at you to break the deadlock between government and protesters,” he said.
Altaf Hussain said national security demands sacrifices of personal egos and personalities. “National stability is at risk … the country is being destroyed economically,” he said.
The MQM chief urged Imran Khan and Dr Tahirul Qadri to save democracy in the country.
Parliament has damaged democracy more than any dictatorship: Imran
PTI Chairman Imran Khan said that the Parliament has caused more damage to democracy in Pakistan, than any dictatorship has managed to do.
“The better the democracy works, the better society progresses,” said the PTI chief.
“I first experienced democracy when I went to Britain. I grew up during the dictatorship of Ayub Khan,” he said.
“The society that has true democracy is the one that values human life the most…Scandinavian countries value the lives of animals more than Pakistan does of human beings,” Imran said.
“A leader knows that he must serve the people otherwise he will not be voted in again by the public… in democratic countries vote rigging does not occur,” he said.
“In democracies money is spent on human development not on metro buses,” said the PTI leader.
Police crackdown
Protesters vs police
Joint session of Parliament to continue throughout week
After consulting political leaders at PM House it has been decided that a joint session of Parliament, starting from tomorrow, will continue for the whole week.
The government and opposition parties have decided to continue debates throughout the week to discuss the current political situation in the country.
‘All political forces, institutions stand united’
Following a combined meeting of all political parties, headed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Federal Minster Ahsan Iqbal said all political forces and state institutions were united against any attempt to derail democracy in the country.
He said critical decisions would be made in the joint session of Parliament, scheduled to take place on Tuesday. Iqbal said all leaders have vowed to stand with the premier in the ongoing political struggle.
PTI respond to Hashmi’s revelations
Central Information Secretary Shireen Mazari has responded to Javed Hashmi’s revelations:
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Imran Khan had parted ways with Javed Hashmi after the PTI President had called him a liar.
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The PTI is adopting the party’s constitutional path by issuing a show cause notice to Hashmi.
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If Hashmi thought PTI was linked to the army then he should have immediately resigned. There was no such talk in any meeting nor is there any such covert agenda.
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Hashmi’s unfounded allegations are not grounded in facts.
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The PTI’s protest has been peaceful, democratic and constitutional.
Terrorism charges included in Model Town FIR
According to DawnNews, police have included terrorism charges in the FIR registered in connection with Model Town incident. Sections 452 and 780 of PPC, pertaining to anti-terrorism act have been included in the FIR.
Why Sheikh Rasheed?
Javed Hashmi: “Imran used to say we have to take Sheikh Rasheed with us…we have to ensure his victory in the elections…why should we take him along? what use is he to PTI? Why did we get him elected? I have defeated Rasheed before in the elections.”
‘It won’t be called a martial law’
Hashmi said he was ashamed and said he was sure Imran was too.
“Now I’m going to say something and maybe Imran will refute that as well but it would be good if he didn’t.”
“Imran had told the core committee it won’t be called a martial law…we will file a petition in the Supreme Court and get a judge of our choosing…and he will say okay…we didn’t talk about Bangladesh…that CJ will validate the actions that will be taken eventually…today I have heard that CJ has called all judges…Justice Jilani will retire and the current CJ will become chief justice…and they will get rid [of the government]”.
“When Imran laid out the plan, I said to Imran, Khan sahab what are you doing? What are you getting involved in? You have our support. You have the support of so many people…Khan said we are going ahead…he said I am telling you there will be elections in September and everything has been worked out.”
Javed Hashmi’s revelations: who scripted all this?
Asma seeks ISPR clarification on Hashmi’s revelation
Speaking to a private TV channel, legal expert Asma Jahangir said she has severe suspicions that Army might take over the government and urged the ISPR to hold a press conference to issue a clarification on the issue.
Commenting on Javed Hashmi’s latest press conference, she said that the fresh issue must be taken up in the Parliament.
A scripted protest
Javed Hashmi reveals that Imran Khan had told PTI leaders that the protest would follow a particular script, ending with a new chief justice, who would be sympathetic to the protesters’ cause.
Imran also said the plan was set, elections will be held in September, Hashmi added.
“Imran made a committee of me, Shah Mehmood and Jahangir Tareen and asked us to decide on a date…for elections to be held in September…I don’t who is behind the plan…I don’t know…names have been named…of General Zaheer, ISI, army.”
‘Told to align with Qadri’
Hashmi revealed that Imran Khan said “They [army] have told us to align with Tahirul Qadri.”
Imran also brought the idea of a caretaker government of non-political people, Hashmi said, adding that the idea came and I went to Multan and since then Imran stopped discussing and put forward many things before me.
Imran also referred to the army and said “they say…they say…go together with Qadri sahib.”
‘PTI leaders, Imran on different page’
Javed Hashmi says the entire PTI core committee was opposed to marching forward. He said that the committee members also advised Imran against listening to the advice of Sheikh Rasheed.
“Today Imran Khan is saying that I was the only one who opposed his decision to march forward towards PM House…but he knows that it wasn’t me alone…the entire PTI committee engaged in dialogue agreed that we shouldn’t go ahead. Now they may deny it but they know what really happened.”
“Imran Khan and I are not on the same page,” he adds.
Imran told us CJ would agree to our demands, Javed Hashmi reveals
“Imran Khan had told us that the new CJ would agree to our demands,” said Hashmi.
Accusing Imran of autocratism, Imran completely walked over the decisions of the PTI’s core committee.
Elaborating on his political career and affiliations with various political leaders, Hashmi said he said no to the hypocrisies of every political leader and party he was with at some point but later disagreed with.
The PTI president said that he had fought against dictators, adding that he stood up against General Ziaul Haq.
Protesters head towards Cabinet Secretariat, PTV office
Protesters from the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) were moving towards Cabinet secretariat and the Pakistan Television (PTV) network headquarters when the police began tear gas shelling.
Six protesters were injured during the clash and the protesters stepped back when the police began to counter them.
Clashes resume on Margalla road
Clashes between police and the protesters have resumed on Islamabad’s Margalla Road, DawnNews reported.
According to DawnNews, tear gas shells were fired at the charged baton-wielding protesters.
A large number of women and children were affected as a result of tear gas shelling, according to DawnNews.
Police is forcing protesters to move backwards.
Khawaja Asif denies rumours that PM was asked to step down
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif denied rumours that Army Chief General Raheel Sharif had advised Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to resign.
“This conspiracy is against the state, against the government,” he said.
“Also I would like to clarify that not only is the rumour malicious and false but that nothing of that nature was even discussed,” Asif added.
PTI submits request for FIR registration against PML-N leadership
The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has submitted a request in the Secretariat Police Station for the registration of an FIR against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.
The request was submitted by PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi.
’Why haven’t protesters who entered PTV HQ been arrested?’
“If we storm into government buildings then we will be arrested, there is a law in place. Then why not arrest the protesters who ransacked PTV headquarters?” legal expert Asma Jehangir questions. “They should have been handed over to the police.”
Jehangir suggested two possible solutions to the ongoing crisis:
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An ISPR statement ordering protesters to vacate the Red Zone and ensure the implementation of the Supreme Court’s order.
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A political solution, which political stakeholders need to figure out.
PTI’s Sindh MPAs submit resignations
PTI MPAs in the Sindh Assembly have submitted their resignation to the assembly secretariat.
CJ cancels holidays of judges, summons them to Islamabad
Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk has cancelled holidays of all judges and has instead summoned them to Islamabad, DawnNews reported.
ISPR denies Nawaz was advised to step down
Following close behind the government denial, the ISPR has also denied rumours that the army chief suggested Nawaz step down or go on leave.
No truth to Nawaz being advised to step down: Govt spokesperson
A government spokesperson has denied and denounced rumours broadcast on TV channels stating that COAS General Raheel Sharif has advised Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to step down.
The government spokesperson termed the rumours “baseless” and “fake”.
Nawaz, Raheel meeting concludes
The meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif at the Prime Minister House has concluded, DawnNews reported.
Imran, Qadri booked on terrorism charges
A case has been registered against PTI Chairman Imran Khan, PAT Chief Tahir-ul Qadri and others for terrorism.
First Information Report (FIR) number 182 31/8 has been lodged against the party leaders and their activists in the Secretariat police station under the supervision of SHO Mehboob Ahmed.
PTI, govt should come back to talks: Sirajul Haq
Jamaat-i-Islami chief Sirajul Haq said the government and PTI should come back to the talks’ table, adding that all political parties in Parliament were prepared to act as guarantor in case the two opposing sides reach an agreement.
Speaking to media representatives, Haq said safeguarding the Constitution was the duty of all political parties and it was important to respect the will of the people.
“We believe the country is only protected by the public and not through weapons…it’s important to respect the people’s will…just having an atom bomb and a lot of weapons won’t help the country in any meaningful way.”
He said political parties were also condemned all kinds of terror — whether done by the government, the state or by any organisation.
Parliament session summoned tomorrow
A joint session of the Parliament has been summoned to meet on Tuesday morning at 11 am.
The session was summoned by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on the advice of President Mamnoon Hussain.
The National Assembly secretariat has issued a notification in this regard.
The joint session is scheduled to discuss the prevailing political crisis and will give suggestions to end the deadlock.
The session is also expected to adopt a joint resolution for upholding supremacy of the Constitution. — With reporting by Mateen Haider
Iran appeals for peaceful settlement
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham urged all Pakistani parties for peaceful settlement of disputes, urging them to exercise self-restraint to help secure their national interests.
She said that stable and democratic Pakistan will benefit all the neighboring nations including the Iranian nation and regional states.
Afkham hoped that Pakistan would overcome the current political crisis at the earliest through insight of the leaders and the government.
Two captains: Miandad backs Imran’s protest
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s former team mate and cricket legend Javed Miandad announced his support for the ongoing protest in Islamabad.
“Imran Khan is a man of great integrity. No one can challenge his honesty and his clear intentions. He has an impeccable record and I fully support him in his endeavor to enlighten and change Pakistan,“ Miandad said.
He insisted that Imran’s endeavors are aimed at changing the system and he remains to be a hope for the citizens of the country.
PTV office severely damaged: Marvi Memon
Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) leader Marvi Memon claimed that the PTV office was severely damaged by protesters in Islamabad.
Speaking to the media, Memon said that police were present outside the office, but they couldn’t do much in front of a “huge mob”.
Looking back at PTV office break-in
Clashes broke out early on Monday and the state PTV channel and its English-language PTV World service were taken off the air after protesters stormed its headquarters in Islamabad.
“They have stormed the PTV office,” a news anchor said just before the screen went blank. “PTV staff performing their journalistic duties are being beaten up.”
A PTV source told Reuters the protesters had occupied the main control room and smashed some equipment. Later, television pictures showed uniformed members of a paramilitary force and soldiers walking calmly into the building.
A Reuters witness said the soldiers escorted protesters out and placed the building under their protection.
There were no signs of violence and the protesters were seen leaving the building peacefully. The station later came back on the air.
What role can court play, SC asks protesting parties
Supreme Court on Monday asked the protesting parties what role they wanted the apex court to play in the ongoing crisis.
This was said by a larger bench during the hearing of a plea against extra-constitutional steps and sit-ins at Constitution Avenue.
The court gave PTI and PAT lawyers one hour to take counsel from their leadership.
Imran walks over to PTV office
Soon after the PTV office in Islamabad was stormed by protesters, PTI Chairman Imran Khan was seen walking amongst the crowd on Constitution Avenue as he made his way towards the PTV office.
A smiling, cheerful Imran was seen walking on the road to the PTV office, which has now been secured by the military personnel deployed in the area.
Journalists and protesters thronged the spot where the PTI chairman reached, and he raised his hands and clapped as if to encourage the crowd.
It is not clear whether Imran went into the PTV building.
Nawaz’s time is up: Imran
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s time in power is up, adding that an important announcement would be made shortly.
Addressing supporters, Khan said that the attack on the Pakistan Television (PTV) network building had hurt the party’s mission.
Khan reiterated that those who had attacked the building did not belong to the PTI.
He said the party had a right to protest as it was a democratic country.
The meeting of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and General Raheel Sharif is underway at PM House.
Cheers and cries of victory
PTI to comply with army orders
When asked how the PTI will react if the army chief — who is scheduled to meet the prime minister shortly — asks parties to take a step back, PTI representative Imran Ismail said: “If the army chief orders… no doubt we will comply.”
Ismail was speaking to a news channel as the military secured the the PTV’s Islamabad office which had been besieged by protesters.
“The govt has damaged the army significantly in this process. They are liars. They retract their statements. They think they can fool everyone. “
‘Govt orchestrated PTV attack’: Jamshed Dasti
Independent member of the National Assembly Jamshed Dasti alleged that those who entered the Pakistan Television (PTV) Network building were the government’s ’own lot’, DawnNews reported.
Attack on PTV office is unacceptable: Shireen Mazari
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) spokesperson Dr Shireen Mazari said that the attack on the Pakistan Television (PTV) network building was unacceptable, adding that those involved in the attack should be punished, DawnNews reported.
On a side note: take the military coup quiz
Marvi Memon denounces attack on PTV office
Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) leader Marvi Memon said that the attack on PTV building was unacceptable, adding that the solution to every problem lied in dialogue, DawnNews reported.
PTV cameras stolen, cables damaged: PTV MD
Managing Director of Pakistan Television (PTV) News Mohammad Malik, talking to a private TV channel, said cameras worth hundreds of thousands of rupees were stolen from the headquarters, and protesters also damaged cables inside the office.
He said that PTV was not the government’s but the state’s representative.
Army chief to meet Prime Minister
DawnNews reported that the military chief General Raheel Sharif will meet Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to discuss the prevailing political crisis as well as the violent clashes that have broken out as the police cracks down on protesters at Constitution Avenue.
On Sunday night, the corps commanders met to discuss the political crisis and cautioned the government against use of force. It said that the deadlock should broken through a political solution.
Protesters attacking property
Post mortem of PAT workers
The postmortem conducted on two deceased workers of the Pakistan Awami Tehreek on Monday revealed that one was shot in the head while the other in the stomach.
Hospital authorities said that the ammunition used was “real metallic bullets”.
A total of three people died in the ongoing clash between protesters and police officials in Islamabad’s Constitution Avenue. The first death occurred when a PAT worker fell into a trench and drowned on Sunday. Hospital authorities said the unidentified worker was dead when he was brought to the hospital.
Qadri calls on protesters to ‘obey’ Army
PTV transmission restored in Islamabad
Pakistan Television (PTV) network transmission, which was stopped in Islamabad when protesters broke inside its building, has been restored, DawnNews reported.
PTV also took to its Twitter account and posted the following tweet:
Qadri orders supporters to follow Pak Army’s directives
Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri directed the protesters to follow orders issued by the Pakistan Army.
“Don’t cross any boundaries set by the army,” Qadri said, adding that the army fights for the protection of people.
The PAT chief also posted on his Twitter account:
Raheel sahab, order karain: Imran
PTI protesters not inside PTV office, says Imran
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan said PTI protesters had not broken into the Pakistan Television (PTV) network building, adding that if any PTI protesters were discovered inside, they would be kicked out from the party.
“I appeal to the protesters to refrain from any harmful activity within the area and also refrain from acts that would defame the party,” he said.
PTI protesters not inside PTV office, says Imran
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan said PTI protesters had not broken into the Pakistan Television (PTV) network building, adding that if any PTI protesters were discovered inside, they would be kicked out from the party.
“I appeal to the protesters to refrain from any harmful activity within the area and also refrain from acts that would defame the party,” he said.
Protesters inside PTV HQ, destroy PM Nawaz’ framed photo
Protesters barge into PTV office
The Pakistan Television (PTV) network office has been held hostage by protesters as a result of which transmission has stopped in the federal capital, DawnNews reported.
The protesters — who seemed to have faced no security obstacles — also barged into PTV’s control room.
Army troops reached the PTV office and are beginning to secure the building.
Meanwhile, Rangers personnel have assumed positions outside the PTV Headquarters.
Imran congratulates supporters for holding unrelenting protests
Addressing his supporters, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan congratulated them for holding protests for the past 17 days.
“Our foremost demand was that rigging carried out during the May 2013 elections should be investigated,” the PTI chief said.
“We wanted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to step down because his government is the outcome of a rigged election. Our demand was justified.“
“With Nawaz at the centre, we were afraid that a probe would not be carried out in those constituencies where elections were rigged,” he said.
Lashing out at the premier, he said Nawaz had no right to remain in power as he had directed “Gullu Butts” to attack innocent protesters.
Imran also applauded the role played by the media in the events that had unfolded.
Protesters break gate of PTV building
Protesters broke down the gate of the Pakistan Television (PTV) network building and entered it. Troops were called in order to control the situation, DawnNews reported.
Qadri addresses supporters
Addressing supporters in Islamabad, Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri said that negotiations were held seven or eight times with the government but the country’s leaders did not believe in the Constitution, law and democracy, adding that this was the reason that talks had failed.
The PAT chief said there was nothing democratic about the country’s leadership, adding that the rulers did not uphold democratic values nor the supremacy of law.
He said PAT’s first demand was that an FIR should be registered against the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s top leadership over the Model Town tragedy but that was not carried out.
“I value media’s contribution in the revolution. I congratulate them for performing their duties responsibly,” Qadri said.
The PAT chief asked citizens based in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to pluck up courage and join them in their protests.
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan was seen listening to Qadri’s speech and clapping in approval.
Imran directs protesters to remain peaceful
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan said there was news pouring in of clashes and directed his protesters to remain peaceful.
Khan also asked Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri to direct his protesters to remain peaceful and non-violent.
SSP injured in clashes
Senior Superintendent of Police Islamabad Asmatullah Junejo has also been injured during the clashes, DawnNews reported.
Three policemen injured
Three policemen have been injured so far during the clashes with protesters from the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and Pakistan Awami Tehreek, DawnNews reported.
Protesters in front of PM House
Protesters, who appear to be from PAT, are now in front of the Prime Minister House.
Moreover, they also set alight a shipping container at PTV chowk. — Reported by Atif Butt
Protesters in front of PM House
Protesters are now in front of the Prime Minister House.
Moreover, protesters, who appear to be from PAT, also set alight a shipping container at PTV chowk. — Reported by Atif Butt
Protesters being urged to march towards PM House
Announcements are being made from loud speakers urging protesters to move towards PM House.
Protesters have already entered the premises of Pakistan Secretariat. A number of ministerial office are located inside the secretariat. — Reported by Atif Butt
Protesters break gate of Pakistan Secretariat
Protesters have broken the gate of Pakistan Secretariat, DawnNews reported.
Police was trying to disperse protesters from entering the premises by firing rubber bullets and using tear gas shells but remained unsuccessful.
After protesters, who appeared to be from PAT, entered the premises of the secretariat they faced relatively less resistance from the police.
Announcements from loud speakers also warned the police against using force against protesters.
Qadri leaves container, moving towards Pakistan Secretariat in vehicle
Tahirul Qadri left his container soon after clash restarted between protesters and police and began moving towards the Pakistan Secretariat in a vehicle, DawnNews reported.
Qadri is expected to march towards PM House again along with his supporters.
Protesters marching towards Pakistan Secretariat
Protesters from PTI and PAT are marching towards Pakistan Secretariat
Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri are calling their activists back to the areas where their containers are parked.
Protesters are trying to push back police personnel back.
Latest screengrab from fresh clash in capital
Another protester reported injured
One more activist was injured in the latest clash between police and protestors near Cabinet block.
A total of at least five PAT members injured in clash with police. — Reported by Atif Butt
Two PAT workers injured in clash
Two PAT workers were injured on Monday during a clash with police.
The workers were trying to cross the containers along the Pakistan Secretariat Chowk when police tried to stop them and hit them with stones and baton-charged them.
One of the wounded was shifted to Pims hospital while the other was given first aid treatment.
Police personnel have been ordered by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Islamabad Asmatullah not to resort to violence and refrain from shelling and baton-charging protesters.
However, the incident took place when the protesters tried to move beyond the secretariat chowk. — Reported by Raza Bangash
Altaf urges PM to urgently hold talks with PAT, PTI
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain on Monday urged Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to be the bigger person and begin talks with the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) without any delay.
The MQM chief also urged the government to avoid the use of force at all costs and added that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif along with his associates should visit PTI Chairman Imran Khan and PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri in their respective containers.
Nawaz has instructed for an FIR based on lies against me, says Imran
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan said that it was the police’s job to register an FIR and not the Prime Minister’s.
He claimed that Nawaz Sharif had ordered for the filing of a first information report FIR against the PTI chief which was based on lies.
“Lies of Nawaz Sharif have already been exposed in the National Assembly,” Imran Khan claimed adding that “Nawaz Sharif is the name of a state of mind.”
SSP Islamabad police says innocent protesters will not be harmed
Imran lauds supporters for cooperation
PTI Chairman Imran Khan appeared atop his shipping container early Monday morning and lauded his supporters for their cooperation and resilience in the face of the previous night’s action.
“Qasim Toori stood on top of the container while the shelling went on. I am happy to see how our team stood up during the challenging times,” he said.
He appreciated the role of travelling disc jockey DJ Butt, whom he said “performed very well under pressure” the previous night. He said Butt would be rewarded for his efforts by finding a place in the party.
He said that SSP Ilyas’ refusal to conduct an operation showed that Chaudhry Nisar and Nawaz Sharif are having a tough time finding people to follow their commands.
“After 18 years of my political career, the happiness that God gave me during the past 18 days seeing the people unite as a nation was more than all previous events of happiness,” he said, harking back to the cricket team’s world cup victory in 1992 as well as the establishment of the Shaukat Khanum Cancer Memorial.
“All Pakistanis are out of the roads to protest against cruelty,” he said.
Praying for the system to survive
A senior government official talking to AFP said the ISPR’s fresh statement reflected differing views within the army’s top brass.
“There is always a difference of opinion when 10 to 15 people are sitting together. There are some who have stronger opinions and some who have softer opinions,” the official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Pakistan’s last period of military rule ended in 2008. But the official said another coup remained “less likely”.
“We have travelled this road for seven to eight years, so things have been tested the institutions are much stronger,” he said.
“I hope and pray the system survives. There will be some losses but they will be recovered,” he added, referring to the significant concessions that observers say the government will need to give the army if it is to survive.
Islamabad police SSP vows to protect ‘innocent protesters’
SSP Islamabad Police Asmatullah speaking to the media said those behind attacks on journalists will be brought to justice. He vowed to protect innocent protesters and allow food to reach protesters as they are like “brothers of the police”.
“Whoever was responsible for assaulting media persons and bringing disgracing the image of Islamabad police will be held accountable,” he said. He also apologised for the “excessive use of force”.
“Islamabad will never use excessive force against protesters. We will never use force against women and children who are among the protesters.”
He said that the police hasn’t set the red lines but they have been given the constitutional right to defend certain red lines.
He said that those who attacked vehicles have brought disgrace to the Islamabad police.
“Allama Tahirul Qadri is a noble person who does greats work for the common people. Imran Khan is a great leader who is looked up to by millions of people,” he said.
Joint session of Parliament on Tuesday
A meeting chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has concluded. The meeting condemned the attack on Parliament and it was decided that the government will defend state institutions at all costs.
The government has decided to call a joint session of the Parliament for Tuesday.
The meeting also discussed how to tackle the protesters who are not moving away.
We are still open to talks: Khawaja Asif
“There is no doubt that the onus is on us …I completely agree and that’s why in the heat of the action last night, we took this initiative that we want to talk,” Khawaja Asif told DawnNews.
“We still want to talk,” he said.
“We are also very ashamed of what happened with media personnel.”
To a question, he said: “The government has dealt with the matter with much restraint…it was politicians who made the free judiciary movement successful….I don’t agree with the attitude of the protesting parties.”
“There is an urgency…but speculations about any further instability are premature,” Asif said.
“Both Qadri and Imran are opportunists… they don’t have children here…they are using people,” he said.
Imran on possibility being jailed
In his third public appearance today,PTI Chairman Imran Khan said, “They thought the movement would end with putting me and Qadri in jail…. “I have been charged with terrorism, I am a terrorist to you Nawaz Sharif because you feel terror!”
“Both Qadri and I have been charged with terrorism. We must fight against this injustice.”
In a message to security officials, he said, “If the government gives you an illegal order then, you must refuse to follow through on that order, this is what Jinnah himself said.”
Army supports democracy
In an ISPR statement released after a four-hour long meeting of the corps commanders, the military said:
“While reaffirming support to democracy, the conference reviewed with serious concern, the existing political crisis and the violent turn it has taken, resulting in large scale injuries and loss of lives. Further use of force will only aggravate the problem.”
The statement further said: “It was once again reiterated that the situation should be resolved politically without wasting any time and without recourse to violent means.”
