Situation in Pakistan has turned extremely vehement as engulfed protests, against PM Sharif, have intensified. In its recent act, the anti-government protestors barged inside the headquarters of Pakistan TV (a National Television Channel) and vandalized its office in Islamabad. This attack on media comes in as protestors continue to demand resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
As the news of this attack came into picture, Senior Pakistani Journalist, Hamid Mir tweeted: “PTI and PAT occupied state run Pakistan Television (PTV) transmission suspended.” Pakistani rangers were rushed to the offices of Pakistan Television. But by the time army reached the spot, damage was already done. Amidst these clashes, the army tried to reach as soon as they could and removed protestors from the building.
Soon after this attack, PTV World tweeted: “PAT protestors break into Pakistan Television Center and suspended transmission temporarily. However, ranger’s Pakistani army drive them out.”
Another tweet from them read: “Attacks on Pakistan Television Center Islamabad widely condemned by the government officials, journalist fraternity and the civil society.”
This attack led to Pakistan TV going off air for some time. But before it went off air, the channel ran live footages of protestors entering their offices and causing damage there. This is not the only attack on media amidst these protests. According to a tweet of Pakistan’s Senior Journalist, Hamid Mir, GOEO TV workers once again came under the attack by PAT and PTI Gullu Butts.
Accusing the Pak PM:
On 21st August, Spectralhues had reported about the steaming tension revolving over the Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his government as protests erupted in the country sometime around then.
Mr. Nawaz Sharif is being accused of rigging the 2013 Pakistan General Elections. Now, in this General Elections Sharif’s Party PML (N) won with majority seats and formed its government in Pakistan.
Imran Khan, ex Pakistani Cricketer and Chief of PTI party has accused PM Sharif of rigging during the elections that caused to their victory. Islamic Cleric Muhammad Tahirul-Quadri has also pledged his support for this protest.
The accusation doesn’t ends with this. PM Sharif is also being blamed for Lahore’s Model Town Massacre. Earlier a F.I.R was not lodged in the matter. However, Spectralhues is now learning that a F.I.R has been lodged into the matter and PM Sharif, Punjab’s Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif along with 19 other officials are booked in this F.I.R.
Pak residents witness massive protests:
Islamabad’s secured and reputed Red Zone has now turned into a battle ground. On a one hand, protestors demanding resignation of Prime Minister Sharif are protesting outside his house while on another hand police and rangers are dealing with them, trying to maintain peace in the country.
Protests multiplied over the weekend as more turned up in more numbers. This resulted into this protest taking a massive turn. Schools were shut down as a result of it and police wielded on the protestors.
Tear gas were fired by the police and it lathicharged the protesting people. Several protestors as well as security officials have been injured during these clashes.
Pakistan that has earlier witnessed terror attacks, bombings and drone attack is witnessing such a massive protest, probably for the first time. Imran Khan has demanded for peace but irony of the situation is that PTI protestors are continuing their revolts. Pakistani army too has appealed for peace in the country.
A Reuters report published on NDTV reported that, ‘In a warning to police, the military said any further use of force to resolve an escalating political crisis would only worsen the situation. But it has also said the crisis had to be solved through talks, in a clear message to Khan and Qadri.’
Pakistan’s Dawn News reported that Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) chief Sirajul Haq on Monday said the government and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (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.
They quoted Sirajul Haq who said, “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.”
Tags: Imran Khan Islamabad Nawaz Sharif Pakistan Protests in Pakistan Tahirul-Quadri
