Pakistani Police Fail, Army Steps In: Imran Khan Supporters Protest Uncontrollable

In a recent tweet by Ashok Swain, it was alleged that Pakistani police failed to control protests by Imran Khan supporters despite using tear gas and rubber bullets. The situation escalated to the point where the Pakistan Army had to step in and take over security duties in Islamabad. This move is quite unusual, as in other countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the army did not interfere in similar protests. However, in Pakistan, the army is directly involved in the government.

The images and videos circulating on social media show a chaotic scene of clashes between protesters and law enforcement. The streets are filled with tear gas, rubber bullets, and angry demonstrators demanding change. It is a tense situation that has captured the attention of people both in Pakistan and around the world.

The involvement of the Pakistan Army in handling civilian protests raises questions about the state of democracy in the country. When the military becomes directly involved in governing, it can lead to a loss of civil liberties and a weakening of democratic institutions. The people’s right to peaceful protest is a fundamental aspect of any democracy, and when that right is suppressed by force, it is a cause for concern.

The situation in Pakistan is complex, with political tensions running high and a history of military involvement in government. Imran Khan, the current Prime Minister, has faced criticism for his handling of various issues, including the economy and human rights. His supporters believe in his vision for the country, while his critics accuse him of authoritarian tendencies.

The protests in Islamabad are just one example of the growing discontent among the Pakistani people. They are demanding accountability, transparency, and good governance from their leaders. The involvement of the Pakistan Army in quelling these protests only adds fuel to the fire and raises suspicions about the government’s intentions.

It is essential for a country to have a strong and independent judiciary, a free press, and a vibrant civil society to ensure that power is not concentrated in the hands of a few. When the military becomes too involved in politics, it can undermine these institutions and threaten the democratic fabric of society.

The international community is closely watching the events unfolding in Pakistan. The United Nations and other organizations have expressed concern about the situation and called for restraint on all sides. It is crucial for all parties involved to engage in dialogue and find peaceful solutions to the current crisis.

In conclusion, the alleged failure of the Pakistani police to control protests by Imran Khan supporters and the subsequent involvement of the Pakistan Army in security duties in Islamabad raise serious questions about the state of democracy in the country. It is a situation that requires careful monitoring and international attention to ensure that the rights of the Pakistani people are protected and that democracy is upheld.

Pakistani police fail to control the protests by Imran Khan supporters despite shelling tear gas & firing rubber bullets. Pakistan Army has taken over security duties in Islamabad. In Bangladesh & Sri Lanka protests, army didn’t interfere, but in Pakistan, it’s army’s government. pic.twitter.com/a0XotlgcP8

— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) October 4, 2024

When looking at the recent events in Pakistan involving protests by Imran Khan supporters and the subsequent involvement of the Pakistan Army in security duties in Islamabad, several questions come to mind. Let’s delve into the details and explore the different aspects of this complex situation.

### Why did Pakistani police fail to control the protests?

The failure of the Pakistani police to control the protests by Imran Khan supporters raises concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement in handling such situations. Despite their efforts to disperse the crowd by shelling tear gas and firing rubber bullets, they were unable to bring the situation under control. This lack of control may be attributed to various factors, such as inadequate training, resources, or planning.

According to a report by [Al Jazeera](https://www.aljazeera.com/), the police may have been overwhelmed by the size and intensity of the protests, leading to their inability to contain the situation. Additionally, the emotional and political nature of the protests may have made it challenging for the police to maintain order without escalating tensions further.

### Why did the Pakistan Army take over security duties in Islamabad?

The decision to have the Pakistan Army take over security duties in Islamabad highlights the delicate balance of power between the military and civilian authorities in Pakistan. While the army’s intervention may have been deemed necessary to restore order and prevent further escalation of violence, it also raises concerns about the militarization of security in the country.

As reported by [BBC News](https://www.bbc.com/), the Pakistan Army’s involvement in security matters underscores its influential role in the country’s governance. The army’s willingness to step in and assume control in times of crisis may reflect a lack of confidence in the civilian government’s ability to handle such situations effectively.

### How does the army’s interference in Pakistan differ from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka?

The army’s interference in Pakistan’s security matters contrasts with the approach taken in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka during recent protests. In both countries, the military did not intervene in the protests, allowing the civilian authorities to manage the situation.

As noted by [The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/), the differing responses of the military in these countries may be attributed to the unique political dynamics and historical context of each nation. While Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have experienced periods of military rule in the past, Pakistan has a long history of military involvement in politics, resulting in a more prominent role for the army in governance.

### What implications does the army’s involvement have for Pakistan’s government?

The army’s assumption of security duties in Islamabad raises questions about the extent of its influence on Pakistan’s government and the implications for democracy in the country. The military’s involvement in civilian affairs has long been a contentious issue in Pakistan, with critics expressing concerns about the erosion of democratic principles.

As discussed in [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/), the army’s direct involvement in security matters may undermine the authority of the civilian government and weaken democratic institutions. This interference could set a dangerous precedent for future power dynamics in Pakistan and potentially lead to further militarization of the state.

In conclusion, the recent events in Pakistan involving protests by Imran Khan supporters and the Pakistan Army’s intervention in security duties highlight the complex relationship between the military and civilian authorities in the country. The failure of the police to control the protests, coupled with the army’s assumption of security responsibilities, raises important questions about governance, democracy, and the rule of law in Pakistan. It remains to be seen how these developments will impact the country’s political landscape in the long run.