Islamabad (Web Desk): The federal government has said that three Rangers personnel and two policeman embraced martyrdom while scores others were injured when Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) miscreants rammed a vehicle into them at Srinagar Highway in the wee hours of Tuesday.
Multiple videos of the protest sites clearly show acts of organized vandalism and arson by the protesters, who caused significant damage to public property, including 22 police vehicles, the Radio Pakistan reported.
President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed deep grief over the loss of precious lives in the clashes between protestors and the security personnel in Islamabad.
In a statement, he strongly condemned attacks on the Rangers and police force.
The president also expressed solidarity with the families of the martyred security personnel.
He prayed for high ranks of the martyred and grant of fortitude to the families.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the attack on Rangers and police personnel by protesters, using a vehicle on Srinagar Highway, in Islamabad.
In a statement, he directed to immediately identify those involved in the incident and ensure they are brought to justice.
The premier also instructed to provide the best possible medical facilities to the Rangers and police personnel injured in the attack.
He said attacks on police and Rangers, under the guise of a so-called peaceful protest, are condemnable. He said police and Rangers are assigned to maintain law and order in the city.
Shehbaz Sharif said the anarchist group seeks bloodshed, emphasizing this is not a peaceful protest, but extremism.
“Pakistan cannot afford any form of chaos or bloodshed,” the premier said warning that bloodshed for nefarious political agenda is unacceptable and highly condemnable.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also expressed his dismay, stating that the attack, which claimed the lives of four security officers, was a shameful act that harmed the country’s reputation.
He condemned PTI's actions and reiterated that the government seeks no further loss of life. Naqvi urged for calm and expressed his hope that such violence would not continue.
"PTI’s behaviour is a source of embarrassment for the country," he said, adding that the government does not want to see any loss of life.
