CHINA TOPIX

12/22/2024 06:32:48 pm

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3 Pakistani Protestors Killed During Clash With Police

Pakistani demonstrators demand Prime Minister Sharif to step down from his position for allegations of mass voting fraud

(Photo : Reuters )

Anti-government protesters conflict with Pakistani law enforcement, while trying to advance on the prime minister's property early Sunday morning. The previous night brought much violence, yet these are the first deaths in more than three weeks of protesters' demonstration.

The overnight violence has elevated this 'peaceful' situation to a much more intense position for the protestors.

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The demonstration stipulates that the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif should step down from his position for their accusations of committing mass voting fraud in the particular election last year that appointed him into office. Last year's election was the country's very first democratic transfer of power.

These demonstrations denote the stern threat to Sharif's third consecutive term as the prime minister.

The prime minister is a very authoritative man, as parliament, as well as, some particularly powerful political parties back him through this conflict. Sharif has told protestors that he refuses to step down from his position and sends word, through negotiator, telling demonstrators to stand down and end their protest.

These demonstrators marched in protest past law enforcement barricades surrounding Sharif's property, and decided to have a sit-in right outside of the Pakistani parliament. As numerous protestors starting to move the law enforcement barricades, police began to fire tear gas and rubber bullets upon the crowd forcing them back.

Authorities state that they were left with no other option and use of force was necessary.

Opposition politician Imran Kahn states with a choked voice, "If they think their brutality will force us to stay back, they are wrong."

Two Pakistani protestors were pronounced dead, due to complications related to wounds received by rubber bullets. Another person drowned in a ditch taking cover while the crowd was bombarded with tear gas and projectiles.

The question of whether Prime Minister Sharif will step down or not has been blatantly answered. Sharif completely denied all requests and demands to step down from his position of prime minister.

However, if the violent demonstration continues it could seriously challenge his authority.

The better question may be: How and when can both parties come to a mutual resolution? Many are hoping a resolution comes before any more violence has to.

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