A countrywide day of mourning is occurring in Pakistan today after two Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) activists were fatally shot Monday morning.
A man was open fired at a group of activists who were protesting the outcome of the 2013 elections in the federal government which were allegedly rigged, reported ARY News, a Pakistani TV station.
The protests were occurring in Faisalabad, Pakistan, and were the first of a scheduled series of protests in major cities in the country, reported DAWN.
The shooting came amidst an already tense situation in the city, as PTI Chairman Imran Khan had announced a shutter-down strike to protest the alleged rigged elections, reported ARY News.
Khan is expected to arrive in Faisalabad Monday afternoon during the Pakistan's day of mourning in remembrance of Sajid Hasnain and Haq Nawaz, who were killed in the clash with Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) workers.
It's unclear if the shooter came from the PTI or PML-N party. Police are still investigating and Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid said at a press conference that police are making efforts to arrest the alleged gunman, putting the fault on Khan for inciting violence in Faisalabad.
"An innocent man lost his life in Faisalabad today, we are with the family in their worst hours. The government believes it is its responsibility to arrest the murderer regardless of which political party he belongs to. Police has acquired footage of the killer and three teams of police are making efforts to arrest him. The police is investigating the incident, I have no further details from them at the moment."
As the case unfolds Pakistanis are turning to Twitter with the hashtag #LockDownFaisalabad to discuss the case and protests:
I definitely did NOT vote for this incapable govt. After 14, 4 and another 2 killed. I would have Resigned. #LockDownFaisalabad
— Mohsin Ali Shah (@MohsinAliShah5) December 8, 2014
May Allah protect everyone out there putting their life at stake for Pakistan. #LockDownFaisalabad — Maira Faheem (@mairafaheem) December 8, 2014
What's happening 2 us? So many incidents of violence today! I really don't know why v need violence 2 resolve any issue. #LockDownFaisalabad
— Shafqat Amanat Ali (@ShafqatAmanatA) December 8, 2014
Rana Sana has called all his allies in SSP ASWJ and Lashkar e Jahngvi to join him! These are organized Terrorist parties #LockDownFaisalabad — Farhan Khan Virk (@FarhanKVirk) December 8, 2014
