RAWALPINDI: A man was shot dead by security forces after allegedly opening fire on a patrol team on Mall Road in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, police said.
According to Rawalpindi police, the incident occurred at around 11:15am on August 11, when Muhammad Hussain, son of Muhammad Baz, allegedly fired a pistol at a security forces’ patrol.
One security official was injured in the exchange of fire, after which the patrol team returned fire and killed the attacker, the police spokesperson said.
Police claimed the suspect was affiliated with a political party and said material indicating his alleged links was recovered from his mobile phone and other personal belongings. Authorities said an investigation into the incident was continuing.
Police said law enforcement agencies remained on alert and would continue operations against terrorism and activities threatening public order.
Tarar Links Incident to PTI
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar subsequently accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of promoting what he described as “violent politics” and condemned the alleged attack on the security personnel.
Tarar claimed that a PTI flag and other documents were recovered from the scene, saying the material pointed to the attacker’s alleged political affiliation.
The minister alleged that PTI protests and previous long marches had involved armed participants and accused the party of creating disorder through confrontational politics.
He said the Mall Road incident demonstrated the dangers of bringing weapons into political protests and warned against actions that could undermine law and order.
Tarar also criticised the PTI’s planned September 27 long march, arguing that the party was announcing protests at a time when Pakistan was seeking greater international engagement and recognition.
PTI Announces September 27 March
The PTI has announced a long march for September 27. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has said the protest would focus not simply on securing Imran Khan’s release but on gaining access to the incarcerated PTI founder.
