The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has confirmed that 12 people lost their lives during a protest in Islamabad, revising earlier claims of a significantly higher death toll.
Speaking at a press conference in Peshawar alongside Opposition Leader Omar Ayub, PTI central spokesperson Waqas Akram Sheikh criticized the government’s handling of the situation, calling it unprecedented in the country’s protest history.
Sheikh accused authorities of jailing journalists reporting on the fatalities and concealing information about missing individuals. He also claimed the government withheld victims’ bodies for three days before returning them to families, allegedly in an attempt to hide evidence.
“These deaths are only the confirmed cases; the actual number is likely higher,” Sheikh stated, adding that hospitals were pressured to withhold information, making it difficult to compile an accurate death toll.
Criticism of Government Actions
Sheikh strongly condemned the use of lethal force, questioning the legality of shooting unarmed protesters. “What government fires on peaceful citizens? This state machinery has turned against its own people,” he lamented.
He emphasized that the right to protest is enshrined in the constitution, adding that PTI workers were prepared for non-lethal responses such as tear gas but not for live bullets.
Contradictory government statements were also criticized, as ministers claimed no shots were fired despite evidence of casualties. Sheikh asked, “If no shots were fired, then who is responsible for these deaths?”
He defended the protesters as party workers acting on instructions to march peacefully, rejecting allegations that they were violent agitators. “These were courageous individuals, not terrorists. We honor their bravery,” he said.
Arrests and Allegations
Sheikh revealed that over 5,500 people were detained before the protest and accused government forces of damaging private property, including vehicles. He called for accountability, insisting the state’s duty is to protect citizens, not harm them.
He also criticized moves to ban PTI in Balochistan while announcing plans for a counter-resolution in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) to propose banning the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).
Call for Legal Action
Omar Ayub demanded legal action against those responsible for the crackdown, including the prime minister and key ministers. He called for a judicial inquiry, FIRs, and accountability for human rights violations.
He thanked supporters from K-P for reaching D-Chowk, reiterating PTI’s stance that the current government was formed through “manipulated” election results. “This government is illegal,” Ayub declared.
PTI also pledged support for detained protesters and condemned attacks on K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s vehicle, which was reportedly shot at during the unrest.
Internal Party Affairs
On internal matters, Sheikh clarified that PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja’s resignation had not been accepted and that Raja was continuing his responsibilities within the party.
The PTI leadership reiterated its commitment to pursuing justice and holding the government accountable for its actions during the protests.
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