Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar briefed diplomats on Wednesday about the recent clashes between PTI protesters and authorities in Islamabad, reaffirming the government’s commitment to securing the Red Zone. The protests, led by PTI, resulted in several deaths, including a policeman and three Rangers officials. The PTI claimed that 12 of its supporters were killed. The clashes ended after PTI leadership and supporters withdrew from the Red Zone on November 26.
Dar emphasized the government’s priority to maintain peace in the Red Zone, which houses key institutions, including Parliament, the Supreme Court, and diplomatic missions. To ensure this, the government passed the ‘Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024,’ which restricts protests in the Red Zone and requires permission from a magistrate for any public gathering.
Dar also pointed out the timing of PTI’s protest, which coincided with the visit of the Belarusian president. He criticized the party for holding protests during foreign visits, recalling how PTI’s 2014 sit-in led to the cancellation of the Chinese president’s visit. Dar stressed that security for diplomats is a priority and that any peaceful protests must follow proper procedures.
He noted that the Islamabad High Court had prohibited PTI from holding protests in the Red Zone, but despite the ruling, PTI remained insistent on continuing their actions. Dar assured diplomats that the government showed restraint in handling the situation, using non-lethal methods like water cannons and tear gas. He also questioned the legality of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government using public resources to stage the march.
Meanwhile, PTI leader Imran Khan called for an impartial judicial commission to investigate the killings of protesters, demanding accountability for those responsible. He also urged the release of hospital data and CCTV footage related to the incident to preserve evidence.
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