Trigger warning: disturbing content

Of late, there has been a lot of debate on armed officials acting out on innocent civilians. There have been alarming cases of missing persons cases being filed in Quetta, the families seeking justice took to the streets in a silent protest. Recently, the Sahiwal shooting shook the nation while bringing the conversation to the forefront. This new video surfacing online is yet another example.

Activist Jibran Nasir shared a disturbing video over Twitter showing armed men in a deserted place, surrounding an unarmed man.

The man was seen in a fetal position and defenseless who seemingly did not pose a threat. At one point, he is seen sitting down on his knees and then all of a sudden falls on his right side.

An unarmed man sitting on the ground crying in pain falls on his right side either due to an injury or weakness. A command is heard "Burst Maar". Then several soldiers join as if it's a sick hunting game and the unarmed man is showered with bullets. @OfficialDGISPR what is this? pic.twitter.com/epTzJAcKdC — M. Jibran Nasir (@MJibranNasir) February 12, 2019

One of the military personnel commands “burst maar” and not just one but shots faster than light start gunning the man lying on the ground.

It’s a video fairly hard to stomach.

Jibran who fears no one, posted the video tagging and questioning the official DGISPR account on Twitter.

In another thread, Jibran fired some more questions at the authorities asking if the soldiers were really under any threat whatsoever?

Were these soldiers really under imminent threat? If so then why were the soldiers commanded to turn on the safety on their guns after they were done pumping bullets into the man? @OfficialDGISPR as citizens we demand an explanation of this incident. Is their any accountability? https://t.co/aaaZfN9dMg — M. Jibran Nasir (@MJibranNasir) February 12, 2019

He even caught the soldiers opening the safety on their guns after they were done shooting down the unarmed man and asked why did they do so?

Jibran very clearly mentioned in his tweet that as a citizen of the country, he needs an explanation over the brutal act.

Seeing the brutal nature of the crime, Pakistanis flooded in with their opinions on the event, asking about accountability and quite frankly, answers.

There should be a clear distinction between behavior of enemies of the state vs guardians of the state. Even if the guy was a terrorist he deserved to face the rule of law. Killing an unarmed for isn't bravery sir. — Omer Mallhi (@omermallhi) February 12, 2019

Many were quick to note how the man was unarmed and defenseless.

We want explanation and investigation to the matter. Clearly it is seen that the soldiers are using excess force to an unarmed men. — جودت سید (@HeayJoJo) February 12, 2019

One person noted how unethical and inhumane it was to shoot an unarmed man.

I understood that brave Muslim soldiers never kill unarmed men even in war. All POW are handled with respect under Conventions. If an opponent be a civilian he has to be produced in court. Is unlawful killing not gunah e kabira in Islam even when the victim is not Muslim? — Imran Ahmed (@ImranAKisan) February 12, 2019

This man, however, thought there are always two sides of the story.

Another person pointed out how this could happen to anyone, anywhere.

This happens with the army budget. 20 soldiers killing an injured sick man. Firing hundreds of rounds of bullets. Today it was him. Tomorrow they will come for you!! — One World (@Outofboxviews) February 13, 2019

People also compared the brutality to the APS attack.

Then u hv no moral high ground. All training is wasted. Evrybdy has a justification – even APS attackers. The difference b/w state and terrorists is of law. We hv police, military to secure rule of law. Where is enforcement if soldiers can just ignore it because of frustration? — Faizaan Qayyum (@faizaanq) February 13, 2019

It is definitely harrowing to see such a footage. Regardless of the crimes, is it okay to not allow a fair trail to take place? Isn’t the point of our police and armed forces to protect us instead of putting civilians in harms way? Such vigilante justice is unacceptable. Be it committed by a gazetted officer or an ordinary civilian.

What do you guys think of the whole situation? Let us know in the comments below.