On Tuesday, security forces fatally shot a gunman in Rawalpindi’s Mall Road after he reportedly opened fire on a patrol team. The police identified the attacker as Muhammad Hussain, son of Muhammad Baz, who allegedly used a pistol against the security personnel around 11:15 a.m. on August 11.
The exchange of fire resulted in one security officer being wounded. The forces responded promptly, killing Hussain at the scene. Authorities stated that Hussain had ties to a particular political party, with further evidence of his affiliations found on his mobile phone and other possessions.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing as law enforcement agencies reaffirm their commitment to combating terrorism and preventing activities that threaten public order. The Rawalpindi police emphasized their readiness to maintain peace and security.
In a notable response, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar condemned the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), founded by Imran Khan, accusing the party of promoting violent politics. He criticized the use of arms and violence during protests, highlighting previous incidents where security personnel were targeted and killed.
Tarar asserted that PTI’s approach to protests lacked peaceful intent, revealing the party’s harmful objectives. The recovery of a PTI flag and related documents at the scene underscored the intent to incite chaos, disrupt law and order, and undermine national peace.
Addressing the PTI’s planned long march in September, Tarar remarked that the party often calls for protests during times when Pakistan is achieving international acclaim. He suggested that PTI’s actions are driven by an inability to accept the country’s progress and respect on the global stage.
The minister warned that the Mall Road shooting exposed the true nature of PTI’s demonstrations, which he described as armed and violent attempts to destabilize the country. Meanwhile, PTI has announced a long march scheduled for September 27. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi clarified that the march’s purpose is not to demand Imran Khan’s release but to secure access to him.
