Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has distanced itself from party leaders who made exaggerated claims regarding the number of deaths during the operation against protesters on the third day of PTI’s Islamabad march.
“We will not issue irresponsible statements. Only 12 of our supporters were martyred in the firing,” PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan told reporters outside Adiala Jail after meeting former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday.
Khan’s remarks followed claims by several party leaders, including some from the top leadership, who alleged that hundreds of people had died when law enforcement opened fire on protesters on the night of November 26. However, the government denied these accusations, accusing PTI of spreading false information.
Thousands of PTI supporters had marched to Islamabad from various cities on November 24, demanding the release of Khan. Despite roadblocks and disruptions to internet and cellular services, they managed to reach the capital. Reports from officials and hospital sources indicated that at least six people, including a police officer and three Rangers officials, died during the three days of protests.
The protest ended on the third day.
Last week, PTI’s information secretary clarified that the death toll among PTI supporters was limited to 12, resulting from firing incidents.
On Sunday, the interior ministry issued a detailed notification stating that no direct clash occurred between the Pakistan Army and the protestors. It clarified that law enforcement agencies (LEAs), including police and Rangers, used non-lethal force to disperse the crowd, and the army was neither involved in the riot control nor in direct confrontation with the protesters. The notification also noted that PTI leaders fled the scene rather than addressing the violence.
Gohar stated that no gunfire should have occurred during the protest, regardless of the location. He emphasized that PTI founder Imran Khan condemned the violence and ordered care for the injured while paying tribute to the party’s workers and leaders.
During the meeting with Khan, party leaders informed him about the developments surrounding the Islamabad protest. Khan, according to Gohar, had no access to news outlets to understand the situation on November 26.
“The PTI founder praised the workers who took to the streets and urged party members to attend National Assembly and Senate sessions to raise the issue and protest,” Gohar added. He mentioned that Khan would announce further actions later.
Khan expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of PTI supporters and law enforcement personnel. Gohar noted that Khan also urged party unity in the face of attempts by opponents to sow division. He reiterated that PTI’s sole demand was to understand why shots were fired during the protest.
Gohar further acknowledged the contributions of the MNAs and MPAs from Punjab during these challenging times.
Responding to queries, he denied rumors about Khan’s health, confirming that the former prime minister was in good health at Adiala Jail.
He also clarified that there was no instruction for every leader to gather at D-Chowk during the protest, and that the focus on D-Chowk was being exaggerated by those trying to create discord.
Gohar called for the formation of an inquiry commission into the incident and demanded accountability for those responsible for the gunfire.
Meanwhile, PTI lawyer Faisal Chaudhry, who met Khan after the incident, criticized police officers for disregarding court orders. He revealed that show-cause notices had been issued to the chief police officer and others for failing to facilitate Khan’s meeting.
Chaudhry confirmed that Khan was in good health but was restricted from accessing information about recent events. He also noted that Khan was facing judicial proceedings in seven cases, and the court had requested reports from the regional police officer. Khan’s sisters were reportedly denied access to him.
Faisal announced that PTI would hold a peaceful march in Peshawar to honor the supporters who lost their lives during the protests.
He also highlighted Khan’s appreciation for Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s efforts for the party.
