Political Turmoil and Rising Unrest
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, along with his wife Bushra Bibi and other party members, faces multiple terrorism charges due to their alleged role in inciting violence during recent protests in Pakistan. The unrest has resulted in six fatalities and numerous injuries, coinciding with escalating sectarian violence in the Kurram district, which claimed additional lives on Thursday.
Protests Sparked by Imprisonment
Khan’s imprisonment since August 2023 has ignited frustration among his supporters, who argue that the charges against him are politically motivated. With over 150 legal cases pending against him, Khan’s supporters rallied in large numbers, led by Bibi, who is currently out on bail for a corruption case. The protesters marched from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Islamabad, demanding Khan’s release, but the demonstration turned violent, leading to clashes with security forces.
Clashes and Escalating Tensions
As tensions rose, Islamabad police reported that Khan’s followers crashed a vehicle into security personnel, prompting significant unrest. In total, nearly 1,000 demonstrators have faced arrests since the protests began on Sunday. Authorities have now charged Khan, Bibi, and others under anti-terrorism laws, accusing them of inciting violence against security forces and disturbing the peace, while disputes about the nature of the protests continue to fuel controversy.
Sectarian Violence Adds to the Chaos
The protests are set against a backdrop of severe sectarian strife in Pakistan, particularly in Kurram, where earlier clashes resulted in the deaths of 42 Shiite Muslims. Following these events, retaliatory violence emerged, worsening the conflict and contributing to a rising death toll. In a further escalation, eight more lives were lost to sectarian violence on Thursday, underscoring the volatility of the situation.
Impact on Pakistan’s Economy
The ongoing turmoil has taken a toll on Pakistan’s economy, with the country’s stock market experiencing a significant loss of over $1.7 billion on Tuesday. However, a slight rebound on Thursday, surpassing the 100,000-point mark for the first time, offered a glimmer of hope. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif viewed the market’s recovery as an indicator of economic improvement amid the political instability plaguing the nation.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Business Standard
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